Shrewsbury closing in on Will Grigg loan deal

Town rekindled their interest in the 29-year-old centre-forward as Steve Cotterill decided the Northern Ireland international was the man to help his side hit the goal trail in the second half of the season.

Shrewsbury came close to a temporary move for the frontman on loan last January and a loan deal is believed to be progressing but not quite concluded.

It appears Town have seen off competition from MK Dons and Salford for the former Walsall, MK Dons and Wigan striker. Shrews would be required to pay a contribution of the Stadium of Light striker’s wages.

Grigg has not played since mid-December owing to a knee problem but does not require surgery and is nearing a return.

But he boasts an impressive scoring record with over 100 career league goals and Cotterill will be hoping he can bring some added firepower to Shrews’ ranks.

And while Grigg looks set to sign, fellow front-runner Jason Cummings is determined to fight for Shrewsbury career amid uncertainty around his future.

The out-of-favour striker, 25, is out of contract in the summer and has made just one EFL Trophy start since Cotterill’s appointment in November.

Cummings, hero of the FA Cup tie with Liverpool a year ago this week, is believed to be desperate for a chance to succeed at Salop.

It is thought the Scotland international frontman has been told he is part of Town’s plans, but Shrewsbury are understood to be in the market for another striker before next Monday’s transfer deadline, with a deal for Grigg progressing.

The centre-forward, who has 10 goals in 27 starts for the club, is keen to make his time at Shrewsbury a success and is not interested in looking elsewhere despite potential suitors north of the border.

Cummings started the campaign on the right of a front three under former boss Sam Ricketts, who brought him to the club in September 2019.

But, despite netting his 100th career goal, the forward fell out of favour towards the end of October and has not started in the league since the beginning of November.

Daniel Udoh has been the mainstay up front for Salop, playing in a front two with Shaun Whalley under the new management, while Leon Clarke started in the defeat to Sunderland on Saturday and Rekeil Pyke is also back to full fitness.

Former Hibernian hero and Rangers and Nottingham Forest striker Cummings was a headline signing for Town.