Sunderland have experienced an impressive resurgence this season under Jack Ross with automatic promotion very much in their sights. 

The Black Cats currently sit in third place in the League One table with 27 matches played and are just three points behind second-placed Luton Town with a game in hand as well.

But they will need to strengthen in order to make it a reality and one of Ross's top targets this winter has been Wigan Athletic striker Will Grigg.

They suffered a set-back on Friday however, when Latics boss Paul Cook revealed four bids had been rejected already from Sunderland and that they had no plans to sell the striker.

Grigg has made 17 Championship appearances for Wigan this season, predominantly as a substitute, scoring four goals.

Sunderland are keen to bring in another striker with the future of star man Josh Maja still up in the air and a move for the Northern Ireland international makes sense.

So, is this a big blow for the Black Cats?

We discuss...

Gary Hutchinson 

“Sunderland should have given up on this ages ago.

“Grigg is a decent player, but they’ve wasted time and energy on a move that looks to be a non-starter.

“Why not pursue Eisa at Bristol City, or McNulty at Reading?

“They’re both players who could realistically be secured on loan.”

George Harbey 

"I think it’s a big blow for Sunderland.

"They need to obviously replace Maja and I think Grigg is a goalscoring master at League One level.

"He could have been the perfect fit for Sunderland."

Jacob Potter

"I don't think it's a big blow for Jack Ross' side.

"There are better alternatives out there compared to Grigg who has been injury prone recently.

"He might be a proven goalscorer, but Sunderland could definitely find a better option out there before the transfer window closes."