Sunderland are planning one more attempt to lure Will Grigg to the North East, as reported by the Northern Echo.

The Latics striker has been the subject of intense speculation this window, with Jack Ross apparently keen on adding his goals to the Black Cats forward line.

He smashed 26 for Wigan last season as they won the division, 19 of which came in League One. He has found his chances somewhat limited in the Championship this season, scoring four in 17 matches.

Despite the rebuked interest, Sunderland are now putting together one last offer to lure him away from the DW Stadium. Manager Jack Ross believes that the club's current reputation can help land the 27-year-old Northern Ireland international.

“Rightly or wrongly, the reputation the club had in the summer, from a coaching, management and playing standpoint, was perhaps not as positive as it is now,” Ross told the Echo.

“I do believe that, in the summer, there would have been uncertainty around what way the club was going to go.

"We've had a reasonably positive six or seven months, and we’ve got an opportunity to get promoted with six, seven or eight other teams, so hopefully the reputation we have for how we do things has spread beyond these confines"

Grigg came through the ranks at Walsall having originally started out with Stratford Town. He made his name at Wigan, where he's scored 64 times in 142 outings.

The Verdict

Wigan have recently recalled Devante Cole from his loan spell with Burton Albion, which might boost Ross' chances of grabbing Grigg. The Wigan man hasn't been too impressive this season, but he's clearly a serious force in League One.

Ross can't waste his time on players who don't want to move or who can't be prised away from their parent clubs. He has to launch one last bid and if it doesn't work out, move on.

Thoughts? Let us know!