Why would he leave Sunderland to join Swansea City?

Last weeks transfer links between Swansea City and Sunderland leading scorer Ross Stewart delivered much fan comment as a result with fans from both sides not really believing this was a deal that had any mileage in it at all.

It felt like a lazy transfer link given the efforts of Russell Martin twice to take Stewart to MK Dons before he completed a move to the North East twelve months back and his value rocketed.

Back then Stewart was plying his trade at Ross County and was nearing the end of his contract making him a very affordable target – as was proven – for clubs in League One.   His form for the Black Cats this season was always going to make sides sit up and take notice with interest rumoured to be beyond Swansea and possibly even coming from the Premier League as well.

The Daily Record had reported that we have already made an enquiry to Sunderland for his services but it is difficult to see how any deal could be structured unless, as Kevin Phillips says, Stewart actually wants to leave and join Swansea.

Phillips though is quite dismissive of that as an idea and asks the question as to why a player would want to consider that – an understandable comment given the increased likelihood that the two sides will be in the same division next season.

“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,” Phillips told 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.

“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.”