Sunderland goalkeeper reacts after signing new contract amid Manchester United, Premier League and EFL interest

The England youth international has signed a ‘long-term deal’, though the exact length hasn’t been disclosed.

Manchester United were among the clubs interested in the 16-year-old.

Richardson said: “I’m incredibly proud to have signed this contract and I can’t quite believe it. I have been at Sunderland since I was eight, so it means a lot to me to have committed my future to the club.

“It’s not just for me, though, my family have been there every step of the way. I have also worked with a lot of great coaches since I arrived, including Mark Prudhoe who has been the one to help me through a lot of high and lows.

“He has had a big influence on me, and I’m looking forward to working with him over the next few years.”

Academy goalkeeping coach Mark Prudhoe added: “I am delighted that Adam has signed a contract with the club. He is a great young goalkeeper coming through our system and we are all excited by his potential.

“Hopefully he can eat that potential up, and if he does, I think we might have another graduate coming along sooner rather than later.”

A club statement read: “Currently representing SAFC’s under-16s, the 2020-21 season will see Richardson continue his development on a full-time basis when he joins the youth team at the Academy of Light.”

The academy last week regained category one status.