Reading and Wigan Athletic are facing a relegation battle in the Championship.
Reading could end up helping Wigan Athletic in their bid for Championship survival if they let striker Marc McNulty leave the Madejski Stadium to join Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.
A recent report in the Reading Chronicle claims the Black Cats are seeking a loan deal for McNulty until the end of the campaign, with the Royals placing him on the transfer list.
McNulty only joined Reading last summer from Coventry City for £1 million, but his struggles at the Berkshire club has seemingly prompted new manager Jose Gomes to move him on in order to make space for potential new signings this month.
But what has this got to do with Wigan Athletic?
Sunderland’s move for Marc McNulty is great news for Wigan Athletic, as it means the Black Cats are seemingly weighing up a move for the Reading man after failing to land their primary January target.
According to the Wigan Post, Wigan’s Will Grigg was Sunderland’s top target, but they have so far seen three bids for the Northern Ireland international striker turned down.
Wigan’s Grigg is a popular figure at the DW Stadium, and Wigan’s chances of Championship survival would be dented should the 27-year-old depart the club this month.
Grigg has struggled with injuries this term, but his record of four goals and one assist in ten league starts illustrates his ability and how much he has to offer the Latics between now and the end of the campaign.
With Wigan reportedly turning down three bids for him, it’s clear the Lancashire club have no intentions of selling him and McNulty moving to Sunderland instead could signal an end to the Wearside club’s interest.
Wigan are currently six points above the drop zone, while Reading are 22nd and two points adrift of safety.
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