Kevin Phillips reacts to transfer news involving Swansea City and Sunderland’s Ross Stewart | OneFootball

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has claimed Ross Stewart will have to force his way out of the club to get a move this January.

The 25-year old has been linked with a move to Swansea City this month. However, Phillips has claimed that there is no way the player can be let go from the Black Cats this window.

“Naturally, when you do well and score the goals that he’s scored, clubs will be interested. He’s shown a bit of everything since joining Sunderland,” said Phillips, via Football Insider.

“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.”

Phillips cited Josh Maja as an example of what Stewart would need to do if he wanted to complete a move to the Welsh club.

“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,” added Phillips.

“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.”

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1. Dion Sanderson

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Stewart has scored 18 goals in 27 appearances for Sunderland this season, which has helped the club massively in its bid to gain automatic promotion back to the Championship.

Sunderland are currently second in the League One table, with Lee Johnson’s side only one point off league leaders Wycombe Wanderers. However, the Black Cats’ form has taken a hit ever since their 5-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday on December 30.

Since then, they have only earned two points from three games. That run includes conceding a 98th minute equaliser away to their promotion rivals Wycombe.

Johnson’s side also suffered a home defeat to Lincoln City and most recently drew away to Accrington Stanley.

Sunderland’s next game comes at home to Portsmouth on January 22.

The Verdict

Phillips is confident that Stewart won’t force a move like Maja has done in the past. Stewart is a fan favourite and doing so would tarnish his legacy with that support, which he should seek to avoid.

If he can help get Sunderland promoted then the club can make their argument that he doesn’t need to leave in the Summer either.

However, at that point, if he does still wish to leave then it should be achieved on more amicable terms considering the role he played in that promotion.

If Sunderland fail to earn promotion then it would make a lot more sense for Stewart to want to make that step up to the Championship elsewhere, and it will be easier for Sunderland to find a replacement. Making a move in January now looks impossible for all parties.