Sunderland transfer rumours: Cats and Nottingham Forest miss out on target as Will Grigg seals MK Dons move

Sunderland are preparing for this weekend’s pre-season friendly against Dundee United – while the Black Cats are still looking to strengthen in the transfer market ahead of the new Championship campaign.
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Here’s some of the latest SAFC-related gossip from around the web:

Cats were interested in Blackburn full-back

Sunderland and Nottingham Forest were reportedly interested in Blackburn full-back Jay Haddow, who has signed his first professional contract with Rovers instead.

Jay Haddow playing for Blackburn Rovers Under-18s. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Jay Haddow playing for Blackburn Rovers Under-18s. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Jay Haddow playing for Blackburn Rovers Under-18s. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Haddow, 18, is a Japanese under-19 international who represented Blackburn’s under-18 and under-23 sides last season.

According to Lancashire Live, Haddow was being tracked by Premier League and Championship clubs, but has now penned an initial two-year deal, with the option of an additional 12 months, at Ewood Park.

Reda Khadra in talks with Sheffield United

Sunderland have also been credited with interest in Brighton winger Reda Khadra, yet Championship rivals Sheffield United appear to be in pole position to sign the 21-year-old.

The Echo's chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith is providing in-depth coverage of the Portugal tourThe Echo's chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith is providing in-depth coverage of the Portugal tour
The Echo's chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith is providing in-depth coverage of the Portugal tour

According to Yorkshire Live, while reports United have ‘won the race’ to sign Khadra are a little premature, the attacker was in Sheffield this week to have a look around.

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The report goes on to say that ‘other clubs are keen and there is still work to do on it but encouraging so far.’

Will Grigg signs for MK Dons

Elsewhere, former Sunderland striker Will Grigg has re-signed for League One side MK Dons on a permanent basis.

The 31-year-old was a free agent after his Black Cats contract expired this summer, while he has recently returned from a hamstring injury.

“It’s amazing to be here,” Grigg told iFollow MK Dons. “I’ve had two great loans here but to finally make a permanent move is really exciting and I really appreciate everyone at the Club who has worked hard to make this happen.

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“I had quite a few offers on the table but as soon as the interest came from here, it was something that appealed to me massively- - this Club has always had a place in my heart but it’s not just about that, it’s also where I think is best for me to score goals and be successful.”

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