Former Sunderland striker-turned-pundit Kevin Phillips has questioned why star Ross Stewart would swap the Black Cats for Swansea City amid reported interest in the forward.
Our colleagues at the Daily Record stated last week that Swansea were one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on Scotsman Stewart, with Swans head coach Russell Martin having tried to sign the 25-year-old while he was at MK Dons.
Finances are likely to be a barrier in any potential deal for Stewart, with Sunderland adamant that they don't need or want to sell their top performers this month.
Stewart is the League One top scorer at present, with 18 goals in 27 appearances.
And Phillips has poured scorn on any move to Swansea, insisting the player would have to force a move to south Wales, if indeed he wanted one.
“Naturally, when you do well and score the goals that he’s scored clubs will be interested," he told Football Insider. "He’s shown a bit of everything since joining Sunderland.
“I think he’ll only get better and better. The higher he goes the better players he will be playing with. It would only enhance his game.
“Sunderland would never let him go though, no way. The only way he would go is if he does a Josh Maja and forces his way out. It would require Ross Stewart to say he wants to leave.
“It looks like he’s enjoying his life at Sunderland though. I like to think he’s got good people around him.
“Would you leave Sunderland to go to Swansea? I personally wouldn’t. Stick where you are and get this team promoted.”
Sunderland are currently second in League One, one point behind leaders Wycombe Wanderers. Championship club Swansea are 17th in the second tier.
Stewart is still under contract for another 18 months at the Stadium of Light.
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