League Two and National League clubs eye Sunderland loan deals with youngsters available this month

The Black Cats are keen to ensure their under-23 players receive a taste of senior football, with the likes of Jordan Hunter and Lee Connelly already out on loan at South Shields and Alloa.

A number of clubs are keeping close tabs on the youngsters coming through the ranks at the Academy of Light - with scouts from Hartlepool United and Carlisle United present during the 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town on Monday evening.

The Echo also understands there are Northern League clubs monitoring a number of players, with Williams Kokolo among others attracting interest.

But while Dickman admits that some of his players may head out the door this month, he insists nothing is imminent.

“Possibly, I don’t know,” he said, when quizzed on interest in the under-23s.

“Obviously they would have that discussion with Kevin Ball, and then we would have a conversation about the players.

“That might happen in the next day or so. As I stand here now, there’s nothing in the pipeline for any of these players - but let’s see what the next few days bring.”

First team boss Phil Parkinson has already confirmed that striker Benji Kimpioka could head out on loan this month, but any potential move is likely to hinge on whether the Black Cats can bring in their own attacking targets.

“What I’d like to do is have enough striker options where we can let him go on loan, because I think he’s at the stage where he needs to go and play in someone’s first team and show that he’s got that consistent level to be a first team player,” he said.

“Ideally, that’s what we’re going to do.

“We are making enquiries with other clubs about his availability.”

There were claims from Cumbria last week that Kimpioka could be bound for Carlisle United, but the Echo understands this is not the case.

The Swedish youth international is also yet to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Stadium of Light, with his current terms expiring in the summer.