"I knew it was something I wanted to pursue." Will Grigg on putting Rotherham United before Doncaster Rovers

Will Grigg joins the Millers. Picture by Jim Brailsford

Rovers had appeared to be the front-runners to land the hot-shot's signature on a season-long loan from Sunderland as the transfer window was drawing to a close.

But that all changed when the League One Millers made contact on Tuesday morning, and a deal was duly struck before the 11pm shut-off.

"There was a possibility of a move to Doncaster throughout the window," the 30-year-old said. "It was no secret I was going to be leaving Sunderland.

"Lots of teams were interested. Ultimately I made a decision and that was Rotherham. As soon as I found out about the Rotherham interest, it was something I wanted to pursue.

"I spoke to my agent about a few clubs and Rotherham were the one I pushed as much as possible."

Grigg, a prolific scorer at third-tier level with Wigan Athletic, MK Dons and Walsall in the past, trained with his new teammates for the first time this morning.

"It's great to be here," he said. "I came up here on Tuesday night to get it all finalised.

"It was the first session today and it was brilliant. I'd heard how good the lads were and that's proved to be true. They've been really easy to get on with."

Rotherham are expected to be among the division's top teams this season and that suits Grigg who already has four promotions from this level under his belt.

"I spoke to the manager and he told me about how I could help the team," he said. "Stats are massive these days. I got sent some information about the high rate of expected goals and the number of crosses the team provide. That was a massive factor.

"I've worked with (assistant manager) Richie Barker before (at MK Dons) and that was a huge plus as well.

"Every time I've played against Rotherham it's been a really tough game. As soon as I got the chance to play for them instead of against them, that was something I wanted to explore."

The Millers have no match this weekend and Grigg may make his debut - against Doncaster - in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.