Transfer deadline day could be an interesting and busy one as far as Sunderland are concerned. Reports suggest the Black Cats have accepted a bid for striker Ross Stewart according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie and the Sunderland Echo. Also on the verge of leaving the club is Lynden Gooch with Stoke City believed to be the player’s destination according to Sky Sports.
The Wearside club are believed to have rejected a bid for midfielder Pierre Ekwah from German club Stuttgart according to the Sunderland Echo.
Sunderland are also considering another bid from Southampton, this time for winger Patrick Roberts. The Saints want the former Manchester City man to link up with Ross Stewart who is close to signing. According to Sky Sports, Southampton have offered a deal worth £5 million.
Sunderland Transfer Deadline Day Eve Round-Up
Bid Accepted For Striker Ross Stewart
Striker Ross Stewart is set to seal a move to Southampton ahead of the summer transfer window closing. The Scotland international is currently in the last year of his contract at the Stadium of Light with discussions over a new deal stalling.
Despite an injury-plagued season, Stewart guaranteed goals when he played. Despite two long spells on the sidelines, the former Ross County man scored 10 goals in 13 games.
With no agreement over a new contract in sight, Sunderland have decided to cash in on their star striker by accepting an offer from Championship rivals Southampton, a team they host this weekend.
Stewart is believed to have travelled to the South Coast this evening for a medical after the two clubs agreed a deal of £8 million plus £2 million in add-ons.
The striker hasn’t played since being injured in January but is expected to return to action next month.
Lynden Gooch Set to be Reunited With Former Manager
Versatile midfielder Lynden Gooch who has been at Sunderland since 2012 looks set to end his time on Wearside by reuniting with his former manager Alex Neil at Stoke City and signing a two-year contract. A fee has yet to be announced.
Gooch, like Ross Stewart, is in the last year of his current contract. With no new deal looking likely, the stalwart has decided to move on. The American has been a feature in the Black Cats’ first team for several seasons appearing over 200 times. He scored the winner as the club ended their long losing streak at Wembley when they won the Papa Johns Trophy. He was also part of the side that won the playoff final at Wembley in 2022.
Patrick Roberts Could Follow Ross Stewart to Southampton
Sunderland have received a bid of £3 million upfront with a further £2 million in add-ons for winger Patrick Roberts. With Ross Stewart and Lynden Gooch set to depart fans will not want to see a key player in Roberts also leave. At this stage however, Sunderland have not responded to the offer.
Pierre Ekwah Bid Rejected
Pierre Ekwah, the former West Ham United midfielder who only joined Sunderland in January has caught the eye of German club Stuttgart following a string of impressive performances.
However, Sunderland have rejected the offer with the club keen to keep the 21-year-old who has become a first-team regular since joining from the Hammers.
Tony Mowbray Wants a Busy Deadline Day
Head coach Tony Mowbray is hoping that tomorrow’s transfer deadline day will be a busy one. Mowbray is keen to add to his squad and with the likes of Ross Stewart and Lynden Gooch set to depart, the Sunderland boss will be hoping there will be incomings before the window shuts.
Speaking in his press conference this afternoon, Mowbray said: “Truthfully, I don’t know what will happen with Ross. The scenario hasn’t changed for me, he’s either going to be here after Friday and hopefully fit in a few weeks ready to score some goals, or we take a huge bid for him and we spend all the money on strikers who are going to make the difference for us. That’s football, the next one has to come in and score the goals and be the new hero.
“I don’t know any numbers that might have been bid, if they are really good you would take the deal and spend the money?
“I would like it to be busy,” Mowbray said.
Am I expecting it to be? I think so, I hope so.
I’ve just left the boardroom there with the owner in, the sporting director in, with everybody who makes the decisions in. Everyone is grafting away. So let’s hope it’s a busy 36 hours ahead.”
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