---
title: "Villa forward McCormack pursued by Sunderland"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2017/07/24/villa-forward-mccormack-pursued-sunderland/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Abdullah Mulla"
section: "Aston Villa Transfer News"
published: "2017-07-24T11:09:54Z"
modified: "2017-07-24T11:09:54Z"
---

# Villa forward McCormack pursued by Sunderland

Championship side Sunderland are targeting Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack as new boss Simon Grayson looks to bolster his attack for the upcoming season, according to a report in the [Northern Echo](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/15428557.Sunderland_pushing_for_Ross_McCormack_deal___and_also_target_Bournemouth_duo/).

The Scottish forward was left out of the Villa squad by manager Steve Bruce which has travelled to Germany for a pre-season tour as he looks set to settle his future.

![Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2017/07/614881348-1.jpg)

McCormack is currently at the top of Grayson’s wish-list and the Sunderland boss is hoping that he can strike an agreement with Villa this week.

The fact that he has been left out of the pre-season squad shows that Bruce doesn’t have the forward in his plans for their promotion push in the upcoming season but it will be difficult to convince Villa to sell him to a direct rival as Sunderland also hope for promotion.

![Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2017/07/605720268-1.jpg)

McCormack joined Villa in 2016 from Fulham for a fee of £12m but he has been unconvincing during his time at Villa Park. The striker is under contract at Villa until 2020 and Sunderland are only willing to pay £4m to secure him on a permanent basis.

Therefore, a loan deal could suit both clubs as Villa look to resolve McCormack’s situation as quickly as possible.