SIMON GRAYSON has not given up on landing West Ham playmaker Rob Snodgrass – despite Aston Villa emerging as favourites for his signature.

Sunderland are keen to take Snodgrass to Wearside where he would get to work with Grayson again having spent time together at Leeds United earlier in their careers.

Steve Bruce, the Villa boss, admitted today that he is hoping to snatch the 29-year-old from West Ham and discussions are well underway to agree the loan deal.

But Grayson is not giving up. He said: “We have been linked with a lot of players this month, and don’t talk about individuals too much. We are in the market for good footballers who will make us better.

“We want players who can affect the team. If Snodgrass became available we would like to talk to him but we have others in mind who we would like to talk to.”

Grayson is known to want Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter and Aston Villa’s Ross McCormack as well as Snodgrass, so Sunderland have plenty negotiating to do.

To throw something extra into the mix, Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong is also wanted by the Hammers and the two players have already cropped up in conversation.

Grayson, whose side travel to Barnsley on Saturday in the Championship with no fresh injury problems other than they are monitoring Bryan Oviedo’s calf, said: “Not that I am aware of. There is a lot of speculation about everybody. There will be ins and outs.

“It will not be until 11pm next Thursday where we have a clearer idea of where we will be, same for other clubs. You don’t want to comment until someone has been signed, sealed and delivered.

“Didier is a good player, hence why we paid what we did. He is key player for us. He is young, enthusiastic. Hence why we want to keep him, like why other clubs are interested in him. We will see where that goes and players coming in as well.”

But Grayson is expecting a hectic few final few days of the transfer window.

He added: “I expect next week will be busy for the whole of the football world. I think that it could be the busiest window there has ever been. It only takes two or three deals to have a domino effect. It will be really busy for everyone connected with football unless you have done all your work and you can sit back.”