Sunderland were linked with a move for Ayr United’s striker Lawrence Shankland in the January transfer window, but nothing materialised at that point in time. Recent reports from Daily Record as Cited by Chronicle Live suggests that the forward recently rejected a chance to sign for Belgium’s second division outfit Saint Gilloise. It is believed that Shankland could have earned three times his current wages, but the striker didn’t accept the deal as there is a good chance that he can get a better deal in the summer.
The forward is in the final few months of his contract, and his form has helped United fight for the promotion spots. Currently, Ayr are on the third spot, and they could move to the Scottish Premiership by next season. Shankland has been firing on all cylinders as he has 31 goals in 32 appearances. If one added his eight assists, that would bring his direct goal contribution to more than one a game and one can understand why so many clubs are after him.
Championship clubs like Hull City, Nottingham Forest, and Swansea City were also said to be interested in January and one can understand why the forward rejected the deal to join the Belgian side.
Sunderland meanwhile are going to need a striker for the upcoming season even though they spent big bucks in the January transfer window to sign Will Grigg from Wigan Athletic.
Kazaiah Sterling is going to return to his parent club after the end of the season and Jack Ross would be left with just two outright strikers in the form of Grigg and Charlie Wyke. Moreover, if the Black Cats move to the Championship they would need to add more depth to their squad and Shankland should be on their agenda.
Ross would be aware of Shankland’s strengths and weaknesses as he had previously worked with the 23-year-old forward when he was on loan with St. Mirren. Therefore maybe the presence of the Scottish boss at the Stadium of Light might influence the Scotsman’s decision.
Sunderland would have to get promoted to stand a chance of landing this forward in the summer. The Glaswegian born striker is in red hot form so there could be a lot of frenzy for him. Shankland is a natural goalscorer, and the fact that he is available on a free transfer makes him an even more exciting signing. The news of the forward rejecting a move to Belgium should delight the Black Cats.
