Lee Johnson gives Sunderland transfer update and outlines his stance on Will Grigg's uncertain future

Shrewsbury Town, MK Dons and Salford City have all been linked with a move for the 29-year-old, though MK Dons boss Russell Martin said on Tuesday night that he did not expect a move to materialise.

"We are involved with a lot of players, it's an area we want to strengthen," Martin said.

"But he's someone else's player so I don't want to talk about him individually.

"But at this minute in time, it's not one I can see happening, no."

Grigg is currently out of action with a knee injury, though Johnson is expecting him to return soon.

Sunderland's head coach confirmed that the pair have held talks on his future, and that he will not stand in Grigg's way if an opportunity presents itself.

"I'm fine in terms of, I have had discussions with Will and I think he feels it hasn't gone as well as he'd hoped it would in the last 18 months," Johnson said.

"If there's a challenge and a change that suits all parties in the short term, we might have a look at it.

"Saying that, me personally, I am more than happy having Will Grigg as one of my four strikers, and a fit, motivated version which you would hope to get considering he's been out of the team with that injury for a while."

Johnson is looking to add another forward player to his ranks this month, while he is also keen to bring in a left-back while Denver Hume is injured.

Loans are a likely avenue given the salary cap restictions, and Johnson says he will be patient as the window edges towards a conclusion next week.

"We're trying very hard, studying a lot of names.

"It's very fluid in terms of, there's normally a domino effect down to League One, and we've got the salary cap issue as well.

"So we've got to be a bit creative.

"With a bit of luck we'll definitely get one in, if you gave me a wish there'd be three but I'd be more than happy with one or two and if we don't, no problem, we go with what we've got."

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