Pundit makes prediction on Sunderland star’s potential stance on Rangers move amid Celtic and Middlesbrough links | OneFootball

Pundit Tam McManus believes Sunderland striker Ross Stewart may be “excited” by a potential move to Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers, speaking in an interview with Ibrox News.

Football League World understands both the Gers and arch-rivals Celtic are interested in the Scottish forward, with his contract at the Stadium of Light expiring at the end of the season.

However, they have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months and that has given the Black Cats a lifeline in their potential quest to keep him beyond the January transfer window.

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Middlesbrough have also reportedly joined the race though – and that will only generate more speculation about the forward’s future on Wearside following a very bright start to the campaign.

Recording five goals and three assists in seven league appearances, he has only been prevented from winning more game time by a thigh injury that has kept him out until this point, although they will be hopeful of having him at their disposal again very shortly.

With the Gers interested in him though and current manager Mick Beale already having the chance to see him in action when his QPR side travelled to the Stadium of Light in August, a move to Ibrox could potentially be on the horizon.

saying: “I think he would cost them a few quid.

“He’s done well at Sunderland, he’s playing well in the Championship, he’s a Scottish lad. He’s one who could be excited by a move to Rangers.

“He’d be a very good signing. He’d bring something different and add some presence in the attack. He’s hungry. He’s done well at Sunderland.”

The Verdict:

It’s a difficult one because Stewart could potentially earn a move to the English top flight in the next couple of seasons, either with the Black Cats, interested side Boro or another team so it may be wise for him to stay put where he is.

At Ibrox though, he would have the chance to return to his home nation and may also have the opportunity to compete in European competitions in the next couple of seasons, something that could help to enhance his CV.

There may come a point where he hits his ceiling in the Scottish Premiership though like Ryan Christie did with Celtic, who eventually moved on to AFC Bournemouth and is now in the English top tier.

Would he turn down the chance to return to his home nation if the opportunity came up in January though? Perhaps not and he may be particularly tempted to move to Glasgow if he’s offered a substantial pay rise.

But if he does make this move, it would be quite a surprise if he didn’t return to English football at some point.

For the Black Cats, he would be a big miss and that’s why it would be difficult to see them sanctioning this move without bringing in a top-quality replacement.