Sunderland weigh up Benji Kimpioka options as director hints at Notts County opening for some youngsters

Sunderland are open to the youngster heading out on loan in a bid to aid his development and there is still the possibility he could leave the Stadium of Light, with National League clubs able to sign loan players until a cut-off date in March.

Non-league would be the most likely move, however it’s understood there is nothing in the pipeline at the moment.

Speaking about Kimpioka last month, Phil Parkinson said: “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.

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

It comes as Sunderland’s non-executive director Tom Sloanes, speaking on the Veterans in Crisis podcast, suggested Notts County as one possible destination for some younger players.

No specific players were mentioned but he said: “A friend of mine has actually bought Notts County. Bally [Kevin Ball] looks after the young kids and things like that, so I’m going to put him in touch after the transfer window because they don’t have a deadline.

“So if Kevin has a couple of lads that he wants to get out because Kevin wants to see the young lads playing football.”