Wellens targeting 'statement' signing as Will Grigg rumours loom

RICHIE WELLENS has hinted that a striker is set to arrive at the club during the current January transfer window following reports that Sunderland’s Will Grigg is set for a loan move to SN1. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to the STFC manager at this morning's press conference.

Having lost the league's top striker, Eoin Doyle, this month after the striker was recalled by parent club Bradford City, Swindon Town have been left with a gap to fill up front. 

And despite having the league's second-highest goalscorer in Jerry Yates, Wellens feels that more attacking reinforcement is needed. 

When asked about the possibility of signing Northern Ireland international Will Grigg this month, Wellens said:

“Eoin Doyle was [on fire when he was here]so, maybe [the new striker will be], we’ll see,” said Wellens. 

“I have to go for that type of statement player. 

“The under-23 options are out there, but I want someone who has the belief to come in and score goals and isn’t worrying about this being their first loan move. 

“I want someone who is experienced, knows the game, and will come in and have an instant impact,” he said. 

“They won’t need a settling-in period and he knows he will play for a team that will create a lot of chances. 

“The profile of the player we want will cost a bit more, but the person we’re looking at is someone with a proven track record and is experienced.

“They are someone who will come in and the other players will look at and know if they create chances then he will put them away. 

“That’s what we’re trying to do,” said Wellens. 

Injuries to key players this season have seen Wellens left with a squad that is at its bare bones with the STFC manager being forced to play midfielder Anthony Grant at central defence in recent games. 

And whilst the Robins manager wants to add multiple bodies to his team this month, Wellens admitted that the club has to be realistic during the mid-season transfer window. 

“Ideally I would [like new players in various positions], but the players that are available at the moment are all on loan deals,” said Wellens. 

“Adam May has returned to Portsmouth and that brings our loan players down to four which means we have one available spot. 

“I’m very conscious that that needs to be a striker. If we get an injury to Jerry Yates then our out-and-out goalscorer are few and far between,” he added. 

“The last loan will probably be a striker. We will see how the next couple of games go. It’s the middle of January which means clubs are waiting to offload players to try and get as much money as possible. 

“I’m happy because these three games have given us breathing space to not have to rush bringing new people in. 

“We want to get the right ones not just ones in quickly. We have to be mindful and at the moment the cheaper players are the ones available on loan,” said Wellens. 

Swindon Town are next in action this weekend when they travel to Newport County.