What it is going to take for MK Dons to sign Will Grigg from Sunderland

It's no secret that striker Will Grigg is top of Russell Martin's shopping list this summer but signing him won't be a straight forward prospect.

His career at Sunderland has been far from a hit amongst the Black Cats fans, who saw him score just seven league goals in two years following a £4 million move from Wigan in 2019. After scoring four against Swindon on Saturday, Grigg has eight goals since February in his second spell at MK Dons.

With Sunderland battling for promotion after three seasons in League One, Grigg's future is likely to hinge on where they are playing football next season.

James Copley, reporter for the Sunderland Echo, believes Grigg's wages at the Stadium of Light will also play a key part in what happens to the 29-year-old next season, though his love for Milton Keynes could help sway any negotiations in the summer.

"Much to the bemusement of many Sunderland fans, Will Grigg still has a year left on his current contract, with the striker said to be on a hefty weekly wage," he said.

"Unless a newly-promoted Championship club or League One promotion-chasing outfit comes in with big money on the table, you'd expect Sunderland will have to continue to pay a portion of his wages if he is to depart the Stadium of Light on a permanent deal in the summer.

"But MK Dons may hold an advantage on other potential suitors given Grigg's history at the club. Another potential advantage is that MK Dons are not necessarily seen by Sunderland as a direct promotion rival (if they fail to escape the division this campaign). The signing of confident and fully-firing Grigg, however, could change that situation for Russell Martin's side.

"I would be extremely surprised if Grigg remains on Wearside beyond the summer - whether it be another loan move or a permanent transfer - but Sunderland will likely have to swallow a huge loss on their initial investment and could stand to lose further money in wages. MK Dons, you'd think, would represent a quick and easy deal for the Black Cats."