Sunderland's search for a new academy manager looks to be nearing a conclusion.
The Black Cats have been searching for the right person to head up the club's youth system since Paul Reid's two-year spell in charge came to an end when he left Wearside at the end of June.
The position was advertised in early July on the club's official website, and ChronicleLive understands that interviews have been held this week with a number of candidates - both internal and external - under consideration.
Sunderland's academy performance has come under fire in recent seasons, and with good reason.
Last season the club's U23 side and U18 side hit rock bottom, with the U23s ending up with just a single point from their 18 Premier League 2 games before the season was curtailed, while the U18s lost all 16 of the league matches they played.
Not only that, but the club has also seen a number of its most talented youngsters lured away by Premier League and Championship.
The new academy manager will be tasked with addressing both of those issues, by bringing in better quality players and doing more to keep hold of them.
Even before a new academy manager has been appointed, the club has already made a start on overhauling its U23 squad with three new signings announced this weekend.
