Things have not gone to plan for Will Grigg in the last 12 months. 

When he joined Sunderland last January in a deal worth a reported £4 million–a record fee in League One–his record in the division seemed to guarantee success.

With Josh Maja departing, Grigg arrived as Sunderland's new hope and the man that was supposed to fire them to promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

That didn't go to plan. Grigg scored just five goals for the Black Cats last season and the side suffered a last-minute play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic.

Things have not improved in the current campaign–the Northern Ireland international has lacked his famous fire, scoring just three times and falling out of favour in recent weeks.

It appears his short-term future may lie elsewhere, as it has been reported that League Two sides Salford City and Swindon Town are both interested in the striker, while Blackpool are also understood to be keen on signing him in January.

Grigg now faces a difficult dilemma. Here we analyse the three potential paths available to the 28-year-old...

Stay and fight for a place at Sunderland.

Grigg may not fancy a drop down to League Two and could feel he has what it takes to stay at the North East club and fight for his place.

He faces some tough competition, however, as Charlie Wyke has seemed Parkinson's first choice since returning from injury.

The arrival of big striker Kyle Lafferty would indicate first-team opportunities may be hard to come for Grigg moving forward.

The Northern Ireland international has more than 100 goals in League One and if he can recapture that form, he may be useful to the Black Cats but it is tough to see him getting the chance after a disappointing 12 months at the club.

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Join Blackpool.

A fresh start away from the Stadium of Light could do wonders for Grigg and a move to Blackpool would offer them the chance to stay in League One.

The Tangerines will surely be aiming for the play-offs this season and the arrival of the 28-year-old could be just what they need to give them a boost in the second half of the season.

The move to Blackpool would mean Grigg can avoid taking the step down to League Two and would give him a chance to show that he still has what it takes at this level.

Drop down to League Two. 

A drop down to League Two could be exactly what Grigg needs to kick-start his career.

With Salford and Swindon both reportedly interested, he has an intriguing decision to make. As clubs in the English third flight go, you'd imagine Salford may be an enticing prospect. With the Class of 92's money behind them, the North West club have made a strong start to their first season in the Football Leagues.

A move to Swindon would likely be less glamorous but they look on the course for success this term. The South West club are top of the table in League Two and are the division's top scorers, having found the net 49 times already, so they're certainly an attractive prospect.