As Manchester City take the January transfer window to review the progress of their current loan players, one youngster who looks set to remain at his club is defender Callum Doyle.
The 18-year-old defender has caught the eye at Sunderland, who are chasing promotion from League One at the fourth attempt since relegation in 2018. They are well-placed going into the new year, sitting second and one point behind leaders Rotherham just after the halfway point in the season.
And key to their form has been centre-back Doyle, who joined on loan for the season from City when he was still 17. Despite his age, though, Doyle has stood out for the Black Cats for his composure, ability with the ball and physicality in a tough division. He scored his first senior goal in Sunderland's recent 5-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday.
"Doyle has started 22 of Sunderland’s 24 league games this season which shows just how much Lee Johnson trusts him," Joe Nicholson of the Sunderland Echo told MEN Sport.
"While he has made mistakes, which is to be expected from a player his age, fans have been really impressed with his composure on the ball and physical presence for a teenager.
"The fact he is left-footed has brought a balance to the team."
With reports of some players being recalled from their loans this month - including Tommy Doyle from Hamburg - it would be difficult to see namesake Callum coming back to City while he is set for a big role in trying to get Sunderland back to the Championship.
And if they get promoted, the second tier could be a natural progression for Doyle next season as City start to look ahead past the current campaign.
"He’s been a key player in the first half of the season and is likely to play a significant part in the second half of the campaign," Joe continues, adding that their recent Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal wasn't reflective of Doyle's progress in the league.
"Sunderland have switched from a back four to a back three this season but Doyle has kept his place as the left-sided centre-back in both systems.
"The Arsenal game was a steep learning curve for Sunderland but the Black Cats’ young side acquitted themselves well for an hour. The scoreline was probably a bit harsh in the end but you saw the way Sunderland tried to play out from the back and didn’t just put men behind the ball.
"Doyle has been a key part of Johnson’s plans this season with the Sunderland boss trying to implement a more possession-based style.
"I think Doyle could be playing in the Championship next season, and if Sunderland are promoted they could look to re-sign him. That would probably be the ideal scenario for all parties."
