Sunderland have had a good season so far and they are firmly in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot, as they were expected to be.

However, Jack Ross will want to strengthen the squad before the window shuts to help the group and it seems a striker is a priority.

The Black Cats are extremely keen on Wigan striker Will Grigg and they have already made two offers for the Northern Ireland international, according to reports in the Northern Echo.

However, so far there doesn't seem to be any real progress made, so Ross will need to have some back-up options if he can't land the 27-year-old.

The former St. Mirren boss has spoken about how he wants a natural striker to compete with Charlie Wyke, and here we look at THREE alternatives for the Wearside outfit to consider...

Matt Smith

The QPR target man would give the side a real physical presence up top and he is excellent in the air.

He is virtually always a sub for the R's and may be open to a move that will give him first-team football and there's no doubt he would thrive in the third-tier.

Atdhe Nuhiu

Another bit-part player, Nuhiu only signed a new deal at Hillsborough in the summer but he hasn't made much of an impact since.

He has just two league goals to his name and may also be open to a move that would allow him to play regularly.

Marc McNulty

He doesn't have the physical presence of the other two, but McNulty is still a forward that could score goals.

He has struggled since making the move to Reading, however his form at Coventry suggests he would be a star in League One and he could give Ross another goalscoring threat.

3 Grigg alternatives Sunderland must consider if they're priced out of a move