Oxford United boss Karl Robinson has confirmed his intention to sign Sunderland forward Will Grigg.
The Northern Ireland international joined the Black Cats a year ago on January transfer deadline day but has scored just eight times since his arrival from Wigan Athletic.
Grigg currently finds himself behind Charlie Wyke and Kyle Lafferty in the Sunderland pecking order and could be allowed to leave if Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson decides he has enough cover.
The 28-year-old has turned down approaches from Salford City and Bradford City as he does not want to drop down to League Two but Sunderland are reluctant to sell him to a League One rival.
That could make things problematic for Oxford who are in direct competition with Sunderland to win promotion from the division.
Nonetheless, Parkinson, who managed Grigg at MK Dons, confirmed the former Brentford forward is in his sights as he looks to add a forward addition before tomorrow's transfer deadline.
“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. 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.”
