Kristjaan Speakman has reassured supporters that Sunderland are continuing in their efforts to try and agree a new long-term contract with Ross Stewart.

The club's sporting director says the Black Cats are "really dedicated" to keeping their star striker at the club.

Stewart has 18 months left on his deal on Wearside but a failure to so far agree an extension has resulted in transfer interest from elsewhere, with clubs in the Premier League, Championship and Scotland circling.

READ MORE: Tony Mowbray on Ross Stewart's future and Sunderland striker transfer talks

However, Speakman insists the Black Cats remain determined to agree a new long-term deal with the 26-year-old.

Speaking to the club website, Speakman said: "It's important that we're really dedicated and proactive to get Ross to sign a new contract

"Everyone is geared up to make that happen, we feel that's the right outcome. If you look on the pitch, his performances and desire to get back from injury show he's 100% committed to Sunderland.

"At the present time that's where negotiations sit. I don't think that should worry supporters, I like to think our track record since we've been at the club is something the supporters can trust.

"At the present time we have talented players contacted for a substantial period of time that fully protects the club. One or two players are coming to the end of natural contracts this summer and they have certain clauses that means it rolls into next year.

"We feel comfortable but want to make sure when we have high profile players like Ross we get them tied down for the appropriate amount of time."

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As well as ensuring they keep hold of Stewart, Sunderland are looking to strengthen their squad this month, though Speakman says the priority is quality not quantity.

He said: "We're really proud that we've got a young group in general. We have a good group of young players with some top senior pros in that dressing room as well which complements the youngsters. We have to now try and improve that team window by window.

"That becomes more difficult because everyone sees the quality in our team and potential to get better, so finding talent who can go in front of that is hard to do, but we're looking at quality rather than quantity and we're looking at January and the summer together to make sure we can identify the right targets and the right deals for our club to come in and improve the team.”