Oxford United boss declares interest in permanent deal for Sunderland striker Will Grigg

Grigg’s Black Cats future is uncertain as he struggles to force his way into Phil Parkinson’s plans.

The recent arrival of Kyle Lafferty has pushed him further down the pecking order and Parkinson has been candid in admitting that he could leave the club this month.

However, the situation has been complicated by Sunderland’s reluctance to loan him to a League One rival, while Grigg himself has not wanted to drop down into League Two.

It is not clear whether Oxford offering a permanent deal could change the picture.

Grigg enjoyed great success with Robinson at MK Dons.

“I want to buy Will Grigg and I want to buy a right back,” Robinson told the Oxford Mail.

“There are certain positions I think we need to improve on.

"Griggy is obviously available and is someone I like. I think he can add to what we’ve already got.

“Don’t forget he went for £4million,” he added.

“We don’t have that.

"We have asked the question, but whether he’s available or not (to United) we just have to wait and see.

"I just don’t know where things may lie.

"I don’t think it will materialise personally, but I know a lot of people are speculating on it.

"He is a player I like, if you’re asking me I’d definitely do it.”

For his part, Parkinson has been clear that he will not let Grigg go unless he can find a replacement. The Black Cats boss held talks with the striker this week in which both agreed that they were happy for him to stay and fight for a place if no suitable offer arrives.

“Will is a goalscorer and a great lad,” he said last night.

“He's not a problem.

“He's frustrated it hasn't gone better for him since he's been here.

“If he's here past Friday, great, we look forward to working with him. If something comes up then we'll have a chat.

“There's a couple of League Two sides and a couple in the lower reaches of League One who've expressed an interest.”