Sunderland to send striker out on loan

The 20-year-old forward, who had a spell on loan at Hartlepool United last season, is training with Vanarama National League North outfit Harrogate, currently top of the league.

Nelson is yet to make a first team appearance for Sunderland and will head out on loan to bolster his experience.

The strong and robust striker was sent out on loan to North East neighbours Pools last season but his spell was cut short by a serious knee injury, Nelson making just four appearances before returning to the Academy of Light for treatment.

Highly-rated by the club’s academy staff, fit-again Nelson has been a regular for the Under-18 and Under-23 sides.

As previously reported by the Echo, there was summer interest in him from a number of Scottish Championship clubs.

The striker is training with Harrogate today and when the loan deal is confirmed it will be the third Sunderland youngster to head out on loan.

Sunderland currently only have two Under-23 players out on loan; goalkeeper Max Stryjek is at League Two Accrington Stanley while centre-back Michael Ledger has impressed on loan at National League side Hartlepool United.

Ledger, out of contract at the end of the season, spent time on loan at Viking, in Norway earlier this year and has impressed Pools boss Craig Harrison since joining on a season-long loan.

Football League sides cannot loan players outside the two transfer windows so moves to non-league teams or teams abroad is the only current option for Sunderland's youngsters ahead of the January window opening.