Sunderland under-23s set for a summer reshuffle with transfer targets identified

Sunderland’s under-23 side are set for a summer reshuffle - with a number of new signings eyed by the club’s academy chiefs.
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The Black Cats’ second string were bottom of Premier League 2 Division 2 when the 2019/20 season was curtailed, and are set to transform their squad over the summer months.

It has already been confirmed that Ruben Sammut will depart the club when his contract expires on June 30, and it is understood that he won’t be the last player to leave the club in the coming weeks.

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A host of players see their deals run-out in the coming days, with only Jack Diamond, Cole Kiernan, Lee Connelly, Jake Hackett and Bali Mumba remaining under contract for the 2020/21 season. The latter, though, is set to join Norwich City.

Sunderland's under-23 side are set for a summer reshuffleSunderland's under-23 side are set for a summer reshuffle
Sunderland's under-23 side are set for a summer reshuffle

That leaves Elliott Dickman with scope to bring in some fresh faces, and the club have already begun the process of sounding out targets – many of whom were invited for trial spells last season.

The Echo understands that Burnley striker Will Harris was verbally told he would be offered a deal at the Academy of Light, but the current situation in the game has naturally meant that contract talks have been placed on hold for the time being.

Dickman has made no secret of his admiration for Newcastle United stopper Nathan Harker, and he could be a summer target – along with former Hull City winger Tyler Hamilton, who shone during his trial spell with the young Black Cats.

Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, meanwhile, has been offered a new one-year deal.