SUNDERLAND remain keen on a loan deal for Sheffield United forward Daniel Jebbison – but their interest is contingent on both moving on Will Grigg and persuading the Blades to lower their financial demands for a season-long switch.

With just over a week of the transfer window remaining, Lee Johnson would like to complete his summer business by signing both a forward and a full-back.

However, in order to create space for a new striker in the squad, he needs to move on Grigg, who remains one of Sunderland's highest earners despite his lack of action in the last 12 months.

The Northern Ireland international, who was not even in the squad for Saturday's win over AFC Wimbledon, has been linked with a return to MK Dons, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, but the financial practicalities of a deal have not yet been agreed.

Provided Grigg leaves, Johnson will move to bring in another forward on loan, with Jebbison at the top of his wanted list.

The 18-year-old, who scored on his Premier League debut against Everton last season, has been told he can leave Bramall Lane on a temporary basis despite the Blades’ struggles in the early weeks of the Championship season.

He was at the Stadium of Light to watch Sunderland’s final pre-season game at Hull City, and is understood to have turned down a loan move to Belgian side Beerschot in order to remain in England, with Wearside his preferred destination despite competing interest from a number of League One clubs including Burton Albion and Doncaster Rovers.

Sheffield United will demand a loan fee before agreeing to a deal, and while further discussions will have to take place ahead of next Tuesday’s transfer deadline, it is anticipated Sunderland officials will agree to a compromise figure provided Grigg’s wages are removed from the books.

Johnson’s preferred full-back option is currently Arsenal youngster Ryan Alebiosu, with the 19-year-old having been made available for a loan earlier this summer.

Sunderland have signed Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins already this summer, but with Denver Hume having turned down the Black Cats’ offer of a new deal, Johnson wants three natural options for the two full-back positions along with Carl Winchester, Dan Neil and Luke O’Nien, who can also play in the back four.