Sunderland are ready to hand Ross Stewart a bumper new contract in a bid to fend off transfer interest from Rangers and a host of English clubs, according to a report.
The Scotland international already pocketed an automatic pay rise after proving pivotal in the Black Cats promotion back to the English Championship. He finished as top scorer netting 26 times and now his club side want to put a further contract improvement and an extended deal on the table.
The Stadium of Light outfit plan to start talks with the former Ross County man when he arrives back from his summer break say the Daily Record. Giovanni van Bronckhorst is eyeing up a number of striking options as he looks to beef up his Ibrox attack with Stewart one of those on his radar. PAOK frontman Antonio Colak is another in the Light Blues' sights with the Greek outfit looking for a reported fee in the £2.5million region.
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Cedric Itten quit Rangers earlier this summer for a return to his homeland with BSC Young Boys while Alfredo Morelos, who is now in the final year of his contract, has been linked with interest from Sevilla. The potential sale of the Colombian would give the Ibrox men more financial muscle to bring in new recruits.
Stewart is one that has already been flagged up by the Rangers scouting team and has now reportedly been taken on by Ross Wilson and Van Bronckhorst.
He was on target in the Wembley play-off final win over Wycombe to secure Sunderland's return to England's second flight.
The 25-year-old is reportedly wanted by a number of English clubs including EPL pair Brighton and Brentford and Championship duo Norwich City and Swansea City.
Alex Neil sees the hitman as a huge part of his plans and wants to tie his key striker down to a new long-term contract.
Rangers has a number of key players of their own heading into the final 12 months of deals including Morelos, Joe Aribo, Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack.
Calvin Bassey is another who has attracted interest after his stunning form in the recent run to the Europa League Final.
Aston Villa are keen on Bassey while Aribo has caught the eye of both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. Rangers have been linked with Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence but the club are said to have played down those reports.
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