Sunderland have taken Gateshead FC's young midfielder Danny Greenfield on a two-week trial.
The Chronicle understands the Black Cats have been watching the former Manchester United and Barnsley graduate throughout the Heed's disjointed National League North season.
Sunderland are among a number of EFL clubs interested in the midfielder who has impressed since returning from a loan spell at Matlock Town earlier this season.
The 20-year-old initially joined the Tynesiders in 2019 after he was released from SkyBet Championship club Barnsley and signed a one-year deal at the club.
Greenfield struggled for game time during his first season at Gateshead. But, he has gone from strength to strength since returning from Matlock and signed a new deal at the Heed until 2022.
He's been a mainstay and one of the standout performers in Mike Williamson's side this season.
The Black Cats are currently waiting for clearance from the FA before the midfielder joins the club on a two week trial.
Greenfield is expected to link up with Elliot Dickman's Under-23's side for two non-competitive fixtures as a result of Gateshead's season ending prematurely.
