This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Sunderland striker Will Grigg is wanted on loan by League Two club Salford City, according to Sun journalist Alan Nixon.
Sunderland splashed out £3 million on the former Wigan Athletic striker last January, but his time on Wearside has been a disappointment meaning Sunderland are likely to be open to offers this month, especially given he hasn’t made it off the bench in the last five games.
So would Grigg be a good addition at Moor Lane and is it a move that is likely to happen?
We discuss........
Jordan Rushworth
“Attracting Grigg to the club would be a real coup for Salford with the striker having real proven goal scoring ability in League One, which would likely make him a very reliable performer in the league bellow for Graham Alexander’s side in the second half of the season.
“Grigg has not been able to re-show the sort of form he has shown in League One in spells at Wigan Athletic and MK Dons since making the move to Sunderland, which could potentially make the Black Cats consider allowing him to leave the club this month.
“However, a player of Grigg’s quality in the lower leagues will likely be in high demand, so Salford would have to move quickly to secure a deal with Sunderland and to convince the striker that they are the best place for him to re-find his best form in front of goal.
“Were Grigg to arrive at Salford this month and find his best form in the final third, then Alexander’s side would have a real chance of climbing up into the top half of the table in their first season in League Two, and it could be an ideal move for both parties.”
Can you get 100% in this Sunderland quiz? Have a go now!
George Harbey
"If this happens then it could be one of the best transfers Sky Bet League Two have ever seen - it would be a sensational coup and a massive statement of intent from the Ammies in their bid for a play-off finish in the fourth tier.
"Grigg's time at Sunderland hasn't gone to plan whatsoever, and he has been a flop for the Black Cats since sealing a move from Wigan Athletic last January.
"But you feel that the Northern Ireland international, who was playing at Euro 2016 only four years ago, would get back to his best and start banging in the goals on a regular basis at another club with a fresh start.
"Salford are obviously a very ambitious club, and although it might not be on the same scale, they have just signed Bruno Andrade from a competitive League One side, who was arguably the best player in League Two last term.
"I wouldn't underestimate their financial power at all."
Josh Cole
“This would be a major coup for Salford if they can convince Grigg to make the step down to League Two level this month.
“Whilst the Northern Ireland international has struggled for consistency in League One during his time at Sunderland, he could take the fourth tier by storm by replicating the goal-scoring escapades which turned him into a cult hero at Wigan Athletic.
“Having found the back of the net on 101 occasions in the third tier, Grigg will be confident in his ability to make a real impact in a lower division for Salford.
“Providing that the forward is able to hit the ground running at the Peninsula Stadium, he could potentially help the Ammies launch a late push for the play-offs.”