Will Grigg

Rumours have been circulating that striker Will Grigg will be allowed to leave Wigan Athletic during the transfer window.

Several Championship clubs and League One Sunderland are reportedly interested in either a permanent or loan deal for the striker who still has 18 months on his current deal.

Speculation has been mounting that the Latics fans’ favourite has fallen out of favour with manager Paul Cook and that he will be allowed to leave.

Cook’s tactics have recently been called into question with Grigg often finding himself on the bench, with either Joe Garner or James Vaughan filling the lone striker role.

Latics progress this season has certainly been hampered by injuries to the forward line with Grigg, Michael Jacobs, Gavin Massey and Nick Powell all having spells on the treatment table.

Grigg’s limited game time this season is partly due to a hamstring injury but also due to the manager’s team selections. However, he is still Latics’ top scorer along with Nick Powell with four goals in his 10 starts and six substitute appearances.

Cook and Latics’ new owners the International Entertainment Corporation would face a considerable backlash if the fans’ favourite was allowed to leave at this time.

The new board should be wary of the negative reaction and the effect on attendances with the club perilously close to the Championship relegation zone.

Selling Grigg would send out the wrong message from a board that has yet to fully communicate its intentions with the club’s fanbase.