It appears Will Grigg could on his way out of the Stadium of Light this January window, that's according to journalist Alan Nixon.

League Two sides Salford City and Swindon Town are reportedly preparing to swoop for a loan deal for the Northern Irishman, opening up the possibility of a short term departure from Wearside.

The 28-year-old has only managed one goal in 19 appearances this term for the Black Cats, having struggled to find any goalscoring form.

Grigg arrived at the Stadium of Light from Wigan Athletic on 1st February last year but has only managed a return of eight goals in 48 appearances.

With Grigg being linked with a move away from Wearside, we take a look at two pros and two cons to Sunderland opening the door for Grigg's exit...

Pro - The player can re-discover some of his old goalscoring form

Grigg boasts 128 goals in 398 appearances, with 101 of those coming in League One.

The 28-year-old enjoyed fruitful spells at Wigan and MK Dons as well as respectable return at Walsall, and he will be as disappointed as anyone in the fact he has struggled on Wearside.

Although dropping down a division may not be ideal for Grigg, a good run and finding some much needed goalscoring form would be welcome for the 28-year-old.

Con - The player not wanting to leave

It's clear Grigg is struggling on Wearside but whilst the player may want to look elsewhere, League Two may not be his number one destination.

When Grigg arrived on Wearside, the club described him as a 'proven goalscorer' and it could leave the striker disappointed if he felt he had to drop down a division to rediscover that form.

He may feel stepping down to the fourth tier is too much of step down for him at the moment, and may hold out for a move to a fellow League One Club.

Pro - The move could allow Sunderland to bring another attacker in

Sunderland have been linked with Nottingham Forest forward Zach Clough and Burton's Liam Boyce, and should Grigg leave on loan, this could free up some wages to bring in one of the forwards.

Parkinson clearly wants to strengthen his attacking line and the departure of Grigg may allow the manager greater ease in doing so.

It is a shame it hasn't worked out yet with Grigg, but it is clear that the Black Cats need to add fire power should they maintain their position in the play-offs.

If it means Grigg leaving in order to bring in some fresh faces then it would be hard to see too many Sunderland fans grumbling.

Con - It could be a move that comes back to haunt them

Sunderland should exercise caution and ensure that they have players coming in before they allow Grigg to leave.

Although linked with two strikers recently, Parkinson should ensure that any potential deals for a front man are sewn up before he lets Grigg go.

The worst thing that could happen to Sunderland is they find themselves in an injury crisis, with no fit forwards, whilst Grigg is scoring goals for another side.

Sunderland paid a lot for Grigg's services and they should be cautious in their approach to letting the 28-year-old leave Wearside.

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