CELTIC are keeping Jack Ross informed about Lewis Morgan’s situation north of the border amid growing interest from the Scottish champions in Sunderland’s Josh Maja.

The Black Cats are clearly out to strengthen their attacking options before the end of the window and have made a second offer for Wigan’s Will Grigg.

Northern Ireland’s predatory forward is expected to leave the Latics this month if the right offer comes along, and they have just recalled Devante Cole from his temporary switch to Burton.

Sunderland are keen to land Grigg regardless of what happens with Maja although they are resigned to another week passing in which they will not land him.

That does not mean they will give up and it could be the back end of the month when things move, while they are also braced to receive firm offers for Maja.

The Northern Echo:

Ross has regularly maintained there have not been any concrete bids for the 20-year-old even though he has outlined through his advisors he will not be signing a new contract.

That has alerted numerous clubs, from home and abroad, who are monitoring the situation before deciding whether to make a January offer.

Regardless of whether Maja goes now or in the summer, Sunderland will be due a fee of some sort, even if it means compensation based on the length of time he has trained with the club and the fact he has been offered a new lucrative deal.

The overseas option, given he can talk to clubs now and possibly sign a pre-contract, is believed to be a strong option, but heading to Celtic is growing possibility.

Brendan Rodgers, who has good relationship with Ross, has already an expressed an interest in him having been scouted on a regular basis and is in agreement that he is one of the most promising finishers in the UK.

Rodgers knows Sunderland would love to have playmaker Morgan on board for the League One run-in.

Even Ross has confirmed his interest having worked with him at St Mirren.

But Ross would only seriously move for the 22-year-old if he felt there was room in his squad, and that is likely to depend on what happens with Maja and Grigg.

Morgan has been struggling to hold down a first team shirt at Celtic and St Mirren have already asked to have him back on loan. He scored 29 goals in three seasons for them, helping Ross to deliver the Scottish Championship title last season.

Sunderland, who have added defender Jimmy Dunne to their ranks this month and have shown a previous interest in Celtic defender Jack Hendry, have also been linked with Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie, but Wigan are keen too.

Sunderland’s next step towards a Wembley appearance will be on Tuesday, January 22 against Manchester City’s Under-21s, it has been confirmed.

After defeating Newcastle United’s youngsters in the last round, the Black Cats have been waiting to learn when their Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final will take place after being paired with City.

Now Sunderland have announced it will be next Tuesday at 7.45pm at the Stadium of Light when there is expected to be a decent crowd to see if they can take the next step towards a Wembley outing.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s and over 65s, when purchased up until 5pm on Monday, January 21. Season card holders will receive a black cat point if they buy and use a ticket.

After that deadline, ticket prices will rise to £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s and over 65s on the day of the match. They will be available to purchase throughout the day from the ticket office.

Cash turnstiles will also be open from 6.30pm on the night.  City set up the trip to the Stadium of Light by beating Rochdale 4-2 in the last round having overcome Barnsley in the previous round.

Sunderland striker Andrew Nelson has, meanwhile, been linked with a move to Dundee.

Reports north of the border claim Nelson, who was among the goals during a loan spell with Darlington, is wanted to bolster Dundee’s attacking power and Sunderland are open to offers to give him more experience.