Rivals loan bid reportedly rejected, Aston Villa must make permanent offer for Serie A playmaker

McCormack: coming or going?

Football website TeamTalk claims Sunderland are edging closer to the signing of £12million flop Ross McCormack, after a dismal first season in claret and blue.

The Scotland international struggled to maintain any kind of rhythm and was loaned to Nottingham Forest in January, where he also failed to shine.

Simon Grayson’s side are set to sign the attacker and bringing in a playmaker to replace him is key. Step forward Morrison, who possesses similar attributes in pace and an eye for goal that McCormack has.

In other Aston Villa transfer news, this defender has agreed terms with a top-flight club.

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