SUNDERLAND’S search for a new striker went right down to the wire last night when dramatic last-ditch efforts to land top target Will Grigg finally proved successful.

With time running out and a constant struggle to persuade clubs to sell their leading Football League front-men, the Black Cats went back in for the man they really wanted to replace Josh Maja and it worked.

Wigan, who had already rejected a fifth offer from Wearside worth £1.5m earlier in the day, had threatened to stand firm but then Sunderland went all out and offered £3m, potentially rising to £4m, for the Northern Ireland international.

A deal sheet was completed in time, buying an extra two hours to seal the deal, even though Grigg wasn’t even in the North-East when it was agreed.

Sunderland, who also secured the loan signing of teenage forward Kazaiah Sterling from Tottenham and Celtic’s playmaker Lewis Morgan until the end of the campaign, had also been frustrated when Doncaster refused to sell them John Marquis.

The League One hot-shot had been targeted as an alternative to Grigg.

An offer of £2m was lodged and swiftly rebuffed by officials at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Doncaster decided they did not have enough time to bring in a replacement and that was the message from a number of clubs Sunderland knocked on the door of in their pursuit of Maja’s replacement – until the pursuit of Grigg finally paid off.

Grigg had been the priority throughout January. He should battle with Charlie Wyke plus the versatile Duncan Watmore and Chris Maguire to lead the line.

It will be also hoped Sterling can make an impact.

The 20-year-old has been prolific for Tottenham’s academy but hasn’t played regularly despite making his debut in a Champions League game in 2017.

Ross said: “Kazaiah has risen to the various challenges he’s faced throughout his development in youth football, and he arrives at Sunderland ready to prove himself again.

“Tottenham have a world-class squad and despite his age, he has forced his way into it on more than one occasion, but now he has the opportunity to come here and test himself by playing senior football on a regular basis.

“He’s athletic, good on the ball and has an eye for goal, so he has all the attributes at his disposal to ensure he’s a success during his time at the Stadium of Light.”

Sterling’s arrival was confirmed on the same day as Morgan’s loan move from Celtic went through.

The 23-year-old had arrived on Wednesday for a medical and is excited to be working alongside Ross again.

And Morgan has told Sunderland fans to expect a player full of fight and possessing the desire to hold down a first team spot at the Stadium of Light.

The Celtic playmaker, who plays out wide too, is expected to slot straight into the starting line-up because of his previous working relationship with manager Ross.

But Morgan will not be taking anything for granted and is focused on making the most of his chance to shine at Sunderland having being largely on the periphery of things at Celtic since joining from St Mirren.

“Sunderland fans can see someone who works hard off the ball and then someone who is direct with the ball,” said Morgan.

“I have obviously come from a club where there is competition for places and I am not going to be alien to that here.

“I know there are players who have the jersey here and I respect that. I will try to get into the thoughts for Saturday (against Wimbledon).”

But Morgan, who was part of the St Mirren team under Ross that went from relegation candidates to title winners in the Championship north of the border, believes working under the former Hartlepool defender should help him enormously.

“There were a few teams interested and the decision was Sunderland for me, the size of the club, the staff and the players here, I am sure there is something special going on and hopefully I can contribute to that,” said Morgan.

“I have come off the back of a couple of seasons playing week in and week out and at Celtic I wasn’t so hopefully this is an opportunity to play more.

“I want to score and create goals, work hard for the team, and get used to playing regularly again.

“English football will be different for me. I am only here a short period of time but I want to grasp it.

“Me and the manager have a close relationship and that was formed up the road and it is something I am looking forward to continuing here. It will be easier here to adapt knowing the manager and coaching staff.”

And Ross, whose side are looking to close the gap on the top two once the window has closed, said: “I worked closely with Lewis for several years during my time at St Mirren, and his progression at that time was terrific.

“I’ve been very open and honest with him about how hard he will have to work to get into our team, as we have some very good players, but he’s welcomed that challenge.

“He’s still young but he’s an exciting player, and I know exactly what he’s capable of.”