According to a recent report by the Scottish Sun, Sunderland have joined the race to secure the services of Greg Stewart from Birmingham City next summer. The same report has also revealed that the Black Cats will face stiff competition from Aberdeen in pursuit of the Scottish forward.
The Sun also mentions that Sunderland boss Jack Ross has the financial power to complete this deal when the player’s loan spell at Kilmarnock comes to a halt at the end of this campaign. Stewart has enjoyed a rich vein of form for the Killie and has lit up the Scottish Premiership with some dazzling displays during this season.
The 28-year-old striker has made 16 appearances for Steve Clarke’s team this term, finding the back of the net eight times while creating seven assists in all competitions. However, despite finding a lot of joy in Scottish football, Stewart has failed to prove his worth in the English Championship so far which indicates that it might a considerable risk for Sunderland to bring him back to England next summer.
The Scottish frontman has incredible pace and has been a prolific goal-getter for the Killie this season. He is highly versatile and can play anywhere across the frontline even though his preferred position is down the middle as a centre-forward. However, there are still question marks regarding his ability to cope with the physicality and high intensity of English football.
The acquisition of Stewart will undoubtedly bolster Jack Ross’ attacking options at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have got the likes of Josh Maja, Chris Maguire and Charlie Wyke vying for a place up top in Ross’ starting XI. However, they still need to replace Jerome Sinclair after his loan spell from Watford came to an end earlier this month.
So if Sunderland can manage to gain promotion from League One this season, then they should consider taking a chance on the Scottish forward as his pace and versatility could come in handy in the English Championship. Otherwise, they would be better of splashing the cash on someone who has already proven his worth in England.
