Sunderland had a busy end to the transfer window with players moving in and out of the Academy of Light on deadline day, all of whom either arrived or departed on a short-term basis. And it could have been even busier following interest in Will Grigg from Shrewsbury Town and Oxford United, as reported on by the Sunderland Echo.
Aiden McGeady, who was placed on the transfer list by Phil Parkinson in December, finally confirmed his exit, allowing both Antoine Semenyo and Declan John to arrive on loan from Bristol City and Swansea respectively. Another departure the Black Cats boss may have been hoping for was Grigg, with Parkinson stating prior to January 31st that he wouldn’t stand in the way of the Northern Ireland international leaving the club.
The fact Grigg hasn’t featured for the north-east outfit since mid-December suggests that he is unwanted, while a proposed loan move to Salford only broke down due to the player rejecting a move to the Ammies, rather than Parkinson.
It has now emerged that there may have been other potential destinations for the striker, with club figures at League One rivals Shrewsbury and Oxford United hinting that they were in the market for the 5 ft 11 player. Indeed, U’s manager Karl Robinson had admitted on the eve of deadline day that he was keen to bring Grigg down south, and reiterated that interest once the window had closed, acknowledging that he was interested in two “big name” players.
Shrewsbury CEO Brian Caldwell was similarly elusive in revealing his target, but the description of a “high profile, big-name international” perfectly fits Grigg’s profile, and the suggestion he made that the 28-year-old was keen on a move means that Grigg may have come close to leaving the Stadium of Light.
That may have pleased supporters, many of whom have been critical of his underwhelming displays, and rightly so given he has contributed little – particularly in front of goal having found the net once in the league this term.
So, Sunderland fans, are you pleased or disappointed that Grigg’s proposed move failed to materialise? Let us know below…
