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‘The move was definitely close’ – Will Grigg Speaks Out About Failed U’s Move

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Sunderland striker Will Grigg has revealed why his proposed January move to Oxford United broke down.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, the 28-year-old explained that the Black Cats’ manager, Phil Parkinson, put a halt on any possible move to the U’s.

He said: “The move was definitely close but the club decided it was not the best thing to do.

“It was a rival team and I was training really well, so the manager decided he did not want me to go to a rival team and do well.”

Grigg has been a huge disappointment to Sunderland fans since his £4 million move from Wigan Athletic in January 2019.

The striker has managed eight goals from 49 appearances in all competitions during his time on Wearside but has only managed one league goal this season.

Having scored 44 League One goals over two seasons while at Wigan, it’s clear to see that he has failed to reciprocate that form in the northeast.

Despite that, U’s boss Karl Robinson admitted he was an admirer of Grigg and was hopeful of bringing him to Grenoble Road.

Speaking on deadline day during the winter transfer window, Robinson told the Oxford Mail: “I want to buy Will Grigg and I want to buy a right-back. There are certain positions I think we need to improve on.

“Griggy is obviously available and is someone I like. I think he can add to what we’ve already got. I think Dan Agyei needs to go out and play on loan.”

The U’s will face Portsmouth in the League One play-off semi-final first leg at Fratton Park next week after finishing the season in fourth.

As for Grigg, his Sunderland future is in doubt following his recent comments, and it is likely he will be available in the summer transfer window.

As a result, the Northern Ireland international could be available for a cut-price rate in the summer if the U’s still see him as a transfer target.

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