Will Grigg jets-off to Portsmouth with Sunderland exit increasingly unlikely

The striker, who joined the Black Cats from Wigan Athletic for a fee of around £3million on a dramatic deadline day last season, has been heavily linked with an exit this month.

Reports earlier this week suggested he had snubbed a move to League Two sides Salford and Bradford, while Oxford United boss Karl Robinson openly stated his desire to sign Grigg yesterday.

But the Echo understands that the Northern Irish international has joined the Sunderland squad on their flight to Portsmouth this afternoon and looks set to remain on Wearside beyond the closure of the transfer window.

That is not to say there won’t be late bids for the striker, but neither player nor club are actively pushing for a move before today’s 11pm deadline.