By Russell Edge

30th Jan, 2021 | 8:13am

Grigg Twist: Big update on Sunderland star wanted by Shrewsbury & 3 others - Sources

Sunderland are not willing to let Will Grigg leave this month without first signing a replacement, Football Insider understands.

The 29-year-old is in high demand among a number of Football League clubs and Shrewsbury Town are understood to have agreed a deal in principle to sign him on loan.

However, a Sunderland source told Football Insider the Black Cats want to sign another centre-forward before they allow Grigg to depart the Stadium on Light, leaving his future unresolved ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

While Shrewsbury still lead the race for the Northern Ireland international’s capture, there is also strong interest from the likes of MK Dons, Oxford United and Fleetwood Town despite the hitman’s indifferent form.

Grigg, who joined Sunderland for £3million in January 2019, has failed to find the back of the net in 12 appearances across all competitions this term and has fallen out of favour under manager Lee Johnson.

His last league appearance came back in mid-December and he has not been involved in any of the club’s last six matchday squads in League One.

Charlie Wyke is now the Black Cats’ first-choice striker, with the Middlesbrough-born hitman having netted 15 times in both league and cups this campaign.

Grigg is among the top earners on Wearside and still has 18 months left on his contract.

He has scored 101 goals in just over 300 League One appearances under his belt after spells with Walsall, Brentford, MK Dons and Wigan.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has delivered his verdict on a huge Sunderland problem which will cost £300,000 to fix.