Sought-after Sunderland academy duo clinch moves to Manchester United

The Red Devils’ interest in the pair has been long-documented and talks over deals began several months ago.

And the Premier League side have now confirmed that both players will join-up with their under-18 side ahead of the new campaign.

In a statement on their website, Manchester United said: “Englishmen Logan Pye and Joe Hugill both arrive from Sunderland. Pye is an England Under-16 international who plays in defence and Hugill is a striker who has represented the Black Cats at Under-23s level.”

Pye was understood to be on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs after his impressive displays for Sunderland’s under-18 side, while Hugill caught the eye while playing above his age group in Elliott Dickman’s under-23 side.

Sunderland are understood to have secured six-figure fees for both players.

The duo are the latest players to depart the Academy of Light over the last 24 months, with Luca Stephenson, Sam Greenwood, Luke Hewitson and Morten Spencer also moving to pastures new.

Bali Mumba is also set to seal an exit in the coming weeks, with Norwich City close to striking a deal for an initial six-figure fee.

Sunderland are currently on the hunt for a new academy manager after Paul Reid’s departure, and his exit – coupled with the exodus of star players – has left some fans concerned as to the future of the club’s category one academy.

But speaking earlier this month, chief executive Jim Rodwell says the club are ‘absolutely committed’ to category one status.

"We are absolutely committed to the academy and our category one status," Rodwell said.

"Having a category one academy in League One is difficult but that is what we are committed

"Next season we will be a Category One academy, simple as that, and we are committed beyond that as well.

"We know we need to improve, we are absolutely aware of that.

"We need to address some of the things that went wrong last season.”