Sunderland’s Championship rivals Aston Villa signed John Terry on Monday.
Villa who were relegated from the Premier League in 2016, a year before Sunderland suffered the same fate, pulled off a transfer coup on Monday, landing former Chelsea and England captain John Terry on a free transfer.
Terry has signed an initial one-year deal at Villa Park, which will earn him £60,000 a week according to The Sun.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry
But when asked if he now felt obliged to sign a player of Terry’s stature at Sunderland, Grayson replied: “I think [Villa are] in a different ball park, I think they’re at a situation where they’ve probably got a little bit more money available.
“It is a major statement where John’s come from, obviously he’s going to have to adapt to the Championship.
“But we’ve got to bring players that we think are going to fit into our structure, of whatever capabilities and whatever level of finance is required.
“People might be shopping in different areas but ultimately it’s about what you do as a team and not as individuals.”
Grayson, who was lured to Sunderland from Preston North End at the end of last week, went on to state he ‘would have thought’ the club will be targeting players who know the Championship during this summer’s transfer window.
New Sunderland manager Simon Grayson
McGeady is perhaps more likely to be available, having fallen out of favour at parent club Everton.
How will Sunderland and Aston Villa fare this coming campaign?
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