Dons had 'got in Grigg's head' to scupper Shrewsbury's deal for striker

Will Grigg was set to sign for Shrewsbury Town until Russell Martin and MK Dons 'got in his head' to make him change his mind, and eventual destination, according to Salop chief executive Brian Caldwell.

The 29-year-old spent a season on loan at Stadium MK in 2014/15 and after a difficult time at Sunderland of late, was available for a loan deal during the January window.

Despite initially claiming the contrary, Dons would be his destination on deadline day, but according to Caldwell, a deal had been agreed with Sunderland to take him to Shrewsbury for the remainder of the current campaign.

He claims though since Dons rekindled their interest, Russell Martin convinced Grigg a move to MK1 was a better prospect than a move to Shropshire.

Speaking to Shrewsbury's official website, Caldwell said: "We did agree everything with Sunderland. We did agree everything with Will.

"Obviously from Sunderland's point of view they wanted to get someone else in, which ended up being Ross Stewart which we were kind of aware of.

"Having been given the word from Sunderland that he wouldn't be going anywhere else, unfortunately I think the fact that there was a hold-up then appearing in media circles last Friday alerted MK Dons.

"MK Dons and Russell Martin got in his head between Friday and Sunday, even though we actually had an agreement ready and waiting to be signed by Sunderland and we had an agreement with Will to come all of last week.

"In football, sometimes these things can happen - but I like to think if I give my word to somebody I wouldn't let them down."