Sunderland chief reacts as Will Grigg completes loan deal to MK Dons

Will Grigg has signed for MK Dons on loan

Sunderland have sanctioned the departure of their deadline day signing from 2019 after securing a deal for Ross County striker Ross Stewart on Sunday.

Head coach Lee Johnson had told Grigg he was happy to have him as part of his squad, but the striker wanted to move closer to his family and to a club where his chances of first-team football were greater.

Grigg still has 18 months left on his current contract and Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman says the club hopes he returns after a ‘sustained period of playing and scoring’.

“We’ve had lots of dialogue with Will and his representatives and believe the opportunity for him to play regularly over the second half of the season is the best course of action,” Speakman said.

We wish him well during his loan spell and very much hope he returns in the summer having had a sustained period of playing and scoring.”

MK Dons boss Russell Martin says he is delighted to have signed ‘one of the best goalscorers at the level’.

"We looked into it earlier in the window and it wasn’t something that was possible,” Martin said.

"As soon as things changed, he was somebody that, of course, we were interested in.

“A lot of clubs wanted him but he only wanted to come here. That desire from him, and the hard work of the Chairman, Andy and Liam at our end, meant we were able to get it over the line and I’m delighted we have.

“He’s had a difficult couple of seasons but, in my eyes, Will is still one of the best goalscorers at this level and I believe we are the right place for him to get going again. We look forward to working with him.”

Sunderland face MK Dons twice this week but Grigg will not be eligible to feature in either fixture.

Grigg has eight goals in all competitions for the Black Cats since his arrival two years ago, across 54 appearances in all competitions.