It has emerged that Oxford United are actively pursuing Sunderland forward Will Grigg, as Karl Robinson looks to strengthen his attacking ranks ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.

Reported by Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith via Twitter, the Oxford boss has come out openly to say he is interested in securing the 28-year-old on a permanent basis.

"Griggy is obviously available and is someone I like. I think he can add to what we’ve already got," Karl Robinson also told BBC Oxford Sport.

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The striker knows Robinson well, as the pair worked together at Milton Keynes Dons during the 2014-15 campaign. Grigg found the net 22 times in all competitions for the Buckinghamshire side that season.

He joined Sunderland last January from Wigan Athletic for a fee of £4 million.

This term, however, has been tough for the 28-year-old at the Wearside club. Grigg has found the net just once in 26 appearances for the Black Cats this season.

The Verdict

It has been a busy January window for Oxford so far this January, with Nathan Holland, Robert Atkinson, George Thorne, Marcus Browne and Liam Kelly all joining the club.

This latest development may mean that Karl Robinson may look to make Grigg Oxford's sixth signing of the window, but it will be difficult deal to complete for the U's.

Sunderland will want to make a healthy return on the £4 million they spent on Grigg, which may be beyond Oxford's means financially.

However, Grigg has been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light throughout the month, making an exit likely. The 28-year-old recently turned down a switch to League Two side Salford City.