SUNDERLAND’S hopes of signing Jon Taylor look to have been dashed after the Rotherham United winger confirmed his desire to remain in the Championship.

Taylor is set to leave Rotherham’s New York Stadium in the wake of the Millers’ relegation to League One, with his contract due to expire at the end of the month.

Sunderland boss Jack Ross is keen to recruit the right winger as a replacement for Lewis Morgan, who has returned to Celtic after his loan spell on Wearside expired.

Black Cats officials are understood to have spoken to Taylor’s representatives, but Luton Town and Barnsley are also ready to offer the 26-year-old a deal.

Both of those clubs won promotion to the Championship last season, and Taylor is determined to spend next season in the second tier.

Speaking to South Yorkshire newspaper The Star, Taylor said: “Hopefully, I can stay in the Championship. I think I have more to give in that division.

“In the Championship with Rotherham, I was always in and out of the team. I’d do well for a few games and then I’d get taken out of the team. That wasn’t good for my confidence.

“I know the gaffer (Paul Warne) made a big thing about liking to rotate his wingers, but for me, it was hard because I’d see players in other positions getting a run of games. I love my football and just want to play all the time.”