League One boss hints at summer move for Sunderland striker Will Grigg - after seeing January deal collapse

Sam Ricketts has hinted that Shrewsbury Town will revisit a deal for Sunderland striker Will Grigg in the summer – having seen their attempts to take him on loan in January fall flat.
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The Shrews were one of a number of League One clubs keen to prise the Northern Irish international from the Stadium of Light on a temporary basis, but Phil Parkinson opted to keep the striker on Wearside.

And Ricketts, when quizzed on his rumoured interest in Grigg, was open about his desire to bring the striker to Shropshire.

"Yes we were (in for him)," he told the Shropshire Star.

Shrewsbury Town could move for Sunderland striker Will Grigg in the summerShrewsbury Town could move for Sunderland striker Will Grigg in the summer
Shrewsbury Town could move for Sunderland striker Will Grigg in the summer
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"We were real close to achieving that. For a club like us to attract someone like Will Grigg is a massive statement but unfortunately we couldn't get it over the line.

"That's what we were aiming for and wanted to do. We've created 52 shots in three games and scored one goal. We have to be ruthless in that top line.

"Will in my view is probably the best forward in the league. He's not playing at Sunderland at the minute but if you go back over the history, the sides he's played for and been promoted for, it would've been an amazing signing.

"We couldn't and unfortunately we ended up not getting anyone else.”

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And Ricketts claims that Grigg was keen to move to Greenhous Meadow, while hinting a summer move could be possible.

"Will Grigg wanted to come,” he added.

“I tell you now if three-quarters of the league wanted him it'd be an understatement.

“We were the ones he wanted to come to, but unfortunately we couldn't get it done. I don't know if the opportunity will be gone in the summer but we'll see. That would've been a statement of intent and player of undoubted quality who I regard as the best in the league.

"There were a number of other players who we missed out on. When someone like Will becomes available it's a no-brainer.

"He was somebody I was desperate to do (sign) as well as others. We wanted to take that next step and go again."