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Conor McLaughlin admits speaking to Will Grigg about Sunderland

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Sunderland have snapped up defender Conor McLaughlin.

Conor McLaughlin of Northern Ireland has a shot at goal during the UEFA Nations League B group three match between Northern Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina at Windsor Park on September 8,...

Sunderland’s new signing Conor McLaughlin has told the club’s official website that he has been speaking to Will Grigg about joining the club.

The Black Cats missed out on promotion last season with a heartbreaking playoff final defeat to Charlton Athletic, and must now recruit for another push next season.

Jack Ross has made his first move, bringing in right back McLaughlin on a free transfer after his Millwall contract expired on Sunday.

The 27-year-old comes with plenty of Football League experience, having racked up nearly 250 appearances across spells with Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town, Fleetwood Town and Millwall.

Add in that he’s earned 35 international caps with Northern Ireland, and it’s easy to see why this looks to be a smart signing by Ross and co.

McLaughlin will now come and compete with Luke O’Nien at right back, and he has been discussing his move to the Stadium of Light.

Will Grigg of Sunderland converts from the penalty spot to score his team's third goal during the Sky Bet League 1 match between Sunderland and Gillingham at the Stadium Of Light,...

McLaughlin has admitted that Northern Ireland teammate Will Grigg – who joined Sunderland in January – helped him make the move by telling him great things about the Black Cats.

The right back added that he didn’t necessarily need convincing about the move, but Grigg’s comments certainly helped as he signed on the dotted line on Monday.

“Yeah, I’ve been speaking to Will Grigg for the past few days, he’s only had good things to say about the club,” said McLaughlin. “I didn’t need any sort of reassurance anyway, but he had nothing but good things to say,” he added.

Millwall's Conor McLaughlin and Ryan Leonard challenge Leeds United's Ezgjan Alioski during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Leeds United at The Den on September 15,...