Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson says he would like Sunderland striker Ross Stewart to join the Light Blues.

The 26-year-old has been in superb form for the Black Cats, having hit the back of the net in all five matches since Christmas, and Ferguson has revealed he has been a fan of the player since his playing days in Scotland:

“I like him. I always liked him at Ross County and I’m not surprised he’s done really well at Sunderland, done really well in League One. Now he’s in a tougher league in the Championship and I’m not surprised Rangers have been linked with him. I think he’s the type of player that could easily step up and play at a level at Rangers.”

Stewart is out of contract at the end of the season, although there are reports that Sunderland do have an option to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light for another year.

Negotiations over a new deal have not gone well, with reports in the English media suggesting that the Scottish international is not happy with the latest proposal that has been tabled.

With Alfredo Morelos being heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox this month, recruiting someone like Stewart could prove to be an excellent decision, but it remains to be seen whether the Gers can afford his signature.