Ross Stewart, Sunderland, Black Cats, Stadium of Light, Championship
Sunderland could reportedly lose both Ross Stewart and Dennis Cirkin in the January transfer window, as a number of clubs consider making bids for the duo.
The Lowdown: Key players
There is no doubt that Stewart and Cirkin are two key members of Tony Mowbray’s squad at the Stadium of Light.
The former played in every minute in the Championship for which he was available before his injury earlier this season, scoring five goals and supplying three assists in his opening seven games in the division [Transfermarkt], while Cirkin has also featured heavily under the current manager.
Nonetheless, with their 3-0 win over Millwall at the weekend taking them to within one point of the play-off places, the Wearside club will not want to lose anyone in the January transfer window in a manner which may halt their momentum.
The Latest: Bids considered
As per The Sun, Stewart is a January target for Olympiakos, and the Scotland striker is ‘open’ to a move abroad.
He has yet to sign a new deal with the Black Cats, and his contract is up in the summer. Sunderland have the option to extend Stewart’s deal, but they ‘expect bidders’ in January.
Meanwhile, Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford are thought to be ‘considering bids’ for Cirkin, whose contract expires in 2024.
The Verdict: Keep them!
If Sunderland are to have any chance of clinching a play-off spot by the end of the season, and potentially secure back-to-back promotions, they need to keep hold of Stewart and Cirkin in January.
It may be tempting to accept bids for both given their respective contract situations, but the Black Cats must push to tie them down for the longer term, as they remain crucial members of the squad.
Also, it would be difficult to find adequate replacements for the pair in January, so ultimately it is not worth the risk of cashing in on them.
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