Sunderland are set to take Gateshead youngster Nelson Ogbewe on trial.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the Tynesiders earlier this month and signed a two year deal with the National League North side.
The Heed youngster scored for Mike Williamson's side in a behind closed doors friendly against Sunderland earlier this week.
Ogbewe caught the eye and is set to go on trial with the Black Cats on April 1.
The youngster could feature for Sunderland's U23's against Reading in the Premier League 2 Division 2 clash.
Ogbewe is highly rated at the International Stadium and was handed his debut in Gateshead's FA Trophy defeat to Farsley Celtic.
The youngster came through the club's education programme with Gateshead College and has been one of the bright sparks of their Under-19's side this season.
Speaking after Ogbewe signed his first professional contract with the club, manager Mike Williamson said: “He’s got masses of potential.
“He’s performed really well with Ben Clark and Matty Pattison and we get regular reports, he looks hungry and he has the right mentality.
“He’s definitely someone who we want to work with closely and we look forward to seeing how he progresses.
“One of the biggest things that young lads might struggle with when they step up to the first team is the physicality, but Nelson is a big strong lad and he can cope with it.
“He has a lot of room for improvement but he has that desire to score goals and a willingness to work hard and improve.”
Ogbewe is the second Gateshead player in a matter of weeks to go on trial with the club after Danny Greenfield enjoyed a two week spell with the Black Cats.
