Sunderland 'open talks' over £500,000 Ross County star Ross Stewart

Reports in Scotland claim Sunderland have ‘opened talks’ over 24-year-old Stewart with suggestions last week it would take £500,000 to prise Stewart away from Dingwall.

However, Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson – who is targeting a forward and a left-back before the deadline – has already stressed that the club’s business will likely be restricted to loan deals this window.

Speaking recently, Ross County boss John Hughes said: “It is evident Ross won’t be here next year but I have a real feeling coming from him that he wants to be part of keeping this club in the Premiership.

“I think it would be his way of thanking the club for everything they have done for him over the last few years.

"He is very grateful for the stage the club has given him.

“He seems quite happy to be here the rest of the season, as would we be.

"But if a club comes in with a bid of £500,000 then we have a decision to make.

“I have had no complaints about Ross as he leads from the front. He said to me what will be, will be."

Loans are a likely avenue for Sunderland given the salary cap restrictions, and Johnson says he will be patient as the window edges towards a conclusion next week.

"We're trying very hard, studying a lot of names,” he told the Echo this week.

"It's very fluid in terms of, there's normally a domino effect down to League One, and we've got the salary cap issue as well.

"So we've got to be a bit creative.

"With a bit of luck we'll definitely get one in, if you gave me a wish there'd be three but I'd be more than happy with one or two and if we don't, no problem, we go with what we've got."

Sunderland beat Ipswich Town 1-0 on Tuesday evening and they return to action on Saturday when they host Gillingham at the Stadium of Light.

The transfer window closes on Monday at 11pm, with Johnson hopeful of making at least two signings, with a left-back and forward on the wanted list.

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