Sunderland will start to have a 'detailed conversation' with star striker Ross Stewart over a new contract now that the transfer window has closed, according to Kristjaan Speakman. Scotland international Stewart is in the final year of his current deal, although that contract includes an option for the Black Cats to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
Sporting director Speakman says the club has held ongoing talks with the 26-year-old since the Spring, but acknowledges that those discussions will need to ramp up in the coming weeks and months. Stewart was Sunderland's 26-goal top scorer last season as the club won promotion from League One via the play-offs, and he has already demonstrated that he is more than capable of making the step up to the Championship having scored five goals in seven games already this term.
"Ross is someone we've been having a conversation with surrounding his contractual status since the Spring, really, and they are ongoing, positive, conversations," said Speakman. "Ross has got this year left with us and then we have an option in Ross' contract so he still has 22 months left with us, so I don't think we are in a situation where there is any need to panic about it.
