Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has admitted Sunderland have planned for all eventualities with rumours once again circulating regarding Ross Stewart's future at the club. The Black Cats do have the option to extend Stewart's contract for another year, so are in no immediate rush to sell the Scottish striker.
However, if the transfer market aligned where the club felt they could bring in a better replacement, then plans are in place to do so. Stewart has not featured for the Black Cats since getting an injury in the warm-up ahead of the Tees-Wear derby, with Sunderland struggling at times in front of goal.
The return of Ellis Simms has given Tony Mowbray's side an outlet up front, but 31 goals in 55 league starts for Stewart only highlights his importance to the side. His impressive record in front of goal has seen Rangers sit up and take note, but the Europa League finalists are yet to register an official bid.
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"We are having ongoing conversations and we all hope he will stay at Sunderland," Louis-Dreyfus told A Love Supreme. "But we have to plan for all eventualities and make sure we know what we’re doing.
"Plan A is to keep him. We would only consider selling someone if we had confidence we could replace him with someone better.”
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