In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 278 appearances during his career, has claimed that Charlie Wyke would not be making a step up in his career if he left Sunderland to join Middlesborough.

Wyke has been in scintillating form for the Black Cats this season as his 25 goals have spearheaded them into the play-offs as they prepare for a two-legged affair against Lincoln City.

The 28-year old has been linked by Keith Downie with a return to his boyhood club, Middlesborough, where he failed to make an appearance before being sold in 2015 but with his contract set to expire this summer, Neil Warnock could look to Wyke for goals next season.

Speaking on why joining Middlesborough would not be a step up but why Wyke may feel he's earned the chance to play in the Championship, Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

"If I'm being brutally honest Middlesborough is a lovely club, but it's not Sunderland. You don't get the support that you do at Sunderland because when the Stadium Light is packed it's one of the top atmospheres in the country.

"If Sunderland don't go up, then he might want to test himself in the Championship and if that's the case then that's absolutely fine, I've got no problems with players wanting to play at a higher level."

This has been Sunderland's third season in League One and they will be hoping they can gain promotion this time around after tasting defeat against Charlton Athletic in the 2019 final.

Sunderland are currently experiencing their worst form under Lee Johnson at the worst time as they head into what could be a defining moment for them against Lincoln.