Former Chelsea and Ipswich Town forward Sam Parkin has urged Sunderland to tie down Ross Stewart to a new deal amid talk of cashing in on the striker. Reports circulating online suggest the club has slapped a £10million asking price on the Scotland international, despite those being unconfirmed at this time.
Parkin, a regular pundit on a number of EFL programmes, believes Stewart has the credentials to play in the top flight of English football. It's welcome praise for the Black Cats striker who was playing amateur football- in the years prior to his Sunderland move.
The 26-year-old has had a remarkable rise to prominence, with Rangers reportedly keen on securing his services after another solid campaign in a red and white shirt. Stewart's recent campaign has been blighted with injury problems, coinciding with the Black Cats slump in form in the middle of the season.
READ MORE: Sunderland's Dan Ballard on dealing with rehab setbacks supported by 'inspiring' Jordan Willis
Tony Mowbray and Wearside supporters will be hoping the Scot stays fit for the second-half of the campaign with Sunderland still in touch of the chasing promotion pack. Stewart's goals will be vital in any possible promotion push, while it's also important the Scot doesn't get distracted by contract talk off the field.
Kristjaan Speakman and Sunderland have remained relaxed about the contract talks, stating that Stewart is happy to stay at the club. However, last month, owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus admitted every player has a price but was clear that the club had contingency plans in place if they were to lose Stewart.
Parkin told talkSPORT: "I think he's got the potential to be a Premier League player. I know that there's a lot of conversations going on at the club and amongst the support base about the contract, which is a little bit up in the air at the moment.
"I think they've got the option to extend but there's a lot of talk that Sunderland could potentially cash in. So, they need to try and secure him for as long as possible."
READ NEXT:
- Ross Stewart's injury the difference between a play-off place and midtable for Sunderland
- Sunderland confirm extent of Elliot Embleton's injury, with midfielder set for lengthy absence
- Sunderland's Anthony Patterson hails 'big achievement' after clocking up landmark appearance
- Sunderland's Ross Stewart is back up and running after his goal at Hull City
- Ex-Sunderland academy man signs up to help Darlington's promotion push
