Sunderland transfer news: Salford, MK Dons and Shrewsbury Town battle for Will Grigg signing

The striker is wanted by Salford, MK Dons and Shrewsbury Town.

Salford have long been credited with a strong interest in Grigg, who could be available this month if Sunderland opt to try and free up some wages from the salary cap.

The striker, who has struggled on Wearside since signing in a big-money deal two years ago, has been struggling with a knee injury recently.

The 29-year-old hasn’t played since the 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon in mid-December.

Football Insider report those three clubs all have Grigg on their radar this month. Transfer business has been very quiet in League One so far.

In terms of incomings at the Stadium of Light, loan deals are the most likely avenue for the Black Cats, who are operating near the limit of the salary cap introduced last summer.

Head coach Lee Johnson says he expects the window to 'hot up', over the next week, and believes progress from clubs further up the pyramid will help the club make progress on his targets.

The head coach also believes that the late stages of the window could present some unexpected opportunities, as clubs try to create space and wages for further additions to their squad, and as the continued financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is felt.

The Black Cats boss also conceded that any significant business in terms of permanent deals is highly unlikely for the Black Cats.

Speaking last week, Johnson said: “We are obviously having conversations, and what you're trying to do is get yourself in position so that, it's almost like a domino effect and when one falls from the big boys, we're then one of the big boys of League One and we get the first pick of the draft on anyone then available, if you like.

"Or, we go and sign a permanent, in which case we feel there's a short and long-term future for them here.

"I don't think we've got the option to spend an awful lot of money on a particular position, and we've just got to accept that."

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