Roker Roundup: Jack Ross comments on left back linked with SAFC & Grigg not heading for MK Dons

Ross on potential Doig move

Sunderland were linked with young Hibernian left-back Josh Doig yesterday, and when asked about the possibility of the 18-year-old moving before the transfer window closes, Hibs boss Jack Ross refused to rule out the possibility.

Speaking to the Daily Record about interest in Doig and fellow hot prospect Ryan Porteous, the former Sunderland manager said there has been interest in the pair but as yet nothing that would see them leave the club.

However Ross did say that could change and Hibs would be prepared to sell if the move was the right one for both the club and player:

We’ve had young players who have performed well this season and there have been notes of interest from clubs.

As it stands, nothing that would see any of those young players depart. But we will see what happens in the days left in the window.

I’m loathed to say with certainty that nothing will ever happen because it could change. But, not at the moment.

I try to take a broad-minded approach to management and try to see the broader picture from the club’s point of view.

There’s no duress we are put under to sell players. But there will always be potentially the right time and the right situation for players to move on if it makes business sense for the club and the player’s development.

I’m okay about that. The lines of communication are good. You have to have a list of potential players that we could bring to the club in any eventuality. You need to have that contingency because it’s a fairly unpredictable industry.

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MK boss plays down Grigg talk

Despite being linked with Will Grigg in recent days, MK Dons manager Russell Martin does not believe his club will be signing the striker.

Sunderland are believed to be keen to moving on both Grigg and Danny Graham but speaking after his team’s 1-0 home defeat by Charlton Athletic, Martin told the MK Citizen that he cannot see Grigg moving to the Stadium MK.

I think we’ve been signing for the last three windows, we are involved with a lot of players, it’s an area we want to strengthen. But he’s someone else’s player so I don’t want to talk about him individually.

But at this minute in time, it’s not one I can see happening, no.

While MK Dons may be ruled out of the running for the Northern Ireland international, the Shropshire Star say reports crediting Shrewsbury with interest in Grigg are true.

The 29-year-old almost moved to the Shrews a year ago before the move broke down in the closing hours of deadline day and Steve Cotterill’s side are keen to resurrect a move for Grigg.

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Academy product signs permanent deal

Sunderland academy product Michael Woud has moved to Almere City on a permanent deal from Willem II.

Woud departed Sunderland for Willem II following relegation from League One and moved to Almere on loan in the summer for first team experience and, following a stellar season for the promotion chasing outfit, he has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until 2024.

The New Zealand international has kept 10 clean sheets so far this season and speaking to the club’s official website, technical director Teun Jacobs was happy to confirm the permanent deal:

Michael Woud has undergone good development since his arrival in Almere. With his reliable performances, he has become a valued player of the selection both on and off the pitch. From that point of view, we are pleased that we have been able to bind Michael to the club for a longer period of time so that we can realize our joint ambitions.

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