Middlesbrough are showing the strongest interest from a clutch of clubs wanting to sign Sunderland striker Ross Stewart.
The Scotland international’s Sunderland future is in doubt with only 18 months left on his contract – and he could leave in January despite scoring seven goals in just nine games this season.
A number of other Championship clubs – including Stoke and Blackburn – are keen on acquiring free-scoring Stewart, who could command a fee of up to £10m next month.
Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Brentford are also monitoring the 26-year-old, but his more likely destination is a fellow Championship side, should he leave Sunderland.
Talks over a new contract at The Stadium of Light have reached an impasse in recent weeks and Sunderland could cash in now rather than let his contract run down.
Scottish club Rangers have also shown interest but any move for Stewart would likely depend on the future of Alfredo Morelos.
Stewart has missed the past four months of the season with a thigh injury but returned to the side last week, scoring in both Sunderland’s matches – against Hull and Blackburn.
Stewart was League One top scorer with 26 goals last season as Sunderland were promoted, and his red-hot form has continued into the new campaign.
