The Black Cats are reportedly eyeing up a move for 19-year-old defender Lewie Earl.
The Sun's, Alan Nixon, claims Sunderland are keeping tabs on the former Burnley trialist following his recent exit from Turf Moor.
Earl is predominantly a centre-back and was a regular in Preston North-End's under 18 side.
His older brother Josh Earl, 22, is still at the Lilywhites, and actually featured against the Black Cats last season while on loan at Ipswich Town.
He made his debut for the Tractor Boys as a second half substitute during their 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.
It's believed Earl would be a signing for their Under-23 side rather than immediate defensive cover, following injuries to Morgan Feeney, Jordan Willis and Arbenit Xhemajli.
The arrival of Dion Sanderson last month would suggest a more long term approach.
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