According to the Mail Online, Sunderland have begun talks to sign Ross McCormack on a season-long loan from Championships rivals Aston Villa as they try to replace Jermain Defoe, who left for Bournemouth this summer.
Villa are ready to let the forward leave the club this summer with Steve Bruce leaving the player out of his pre-season squad after a number of high-profile incidents.
McCormack joined Aston Villa from Fulham last season for £12 million but he struggled in his first season and fell out with Bruce. The striker finished the season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he scored once in seven games.
Despite struggling last season he is still seen as a capable striker for this level, so he’d be a strong addition to Sunderland’s squad as they try to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Bruce must now decide whether or not he would be willing to sell, albeit a loan deal, to a direct Championship rival.
