Sunderland are running the rule over Gateshead starlet Nelson Ogbewe with the youngster in line to feature for the Black Cats’ U23 side against Reading this week, as reported by the Chronicle.
Are the Wearside giants finally giving one of English football’s most prosperous academies the love and attention it deserves?
After losing talented teenagers to the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Leeds, Sunderland appear to be learning from their mistakes. Better late than never.
In recent months, the League One giants have been scouring the market for exciting prospects up and down the land, handing out trials like they are going out of fashion.
The lucky few, such as Will Harris, Kenton Richardson and Sam Wilding, were handed contracts after impressing at the Stadium of Light.
It remains to be seen, however, if Ogbewe can seize his opportunity in red and white.
The Chronicle reports that the highly-rated striker has been offered the chance to impress at Sunderland and could feature in the U23 clash with Reading on Friday.
“He’s got masses of potential,” Gateshead manager, and former Newcastle United defender, Mike Williamson said in March after Ogbewe signed his first professional contract at the non-league outfit.
“One of the biggest things that young lads might struggle with when they step up to the first team is the physicality, but Nelson is a big strong lad and he can cope with it.
“He has a lot of room for improvement but he has that desire to score goals and a willingness to work hard and improve.”
Tottenham Hotspur teenager Aaron Skinner featured for Sunderland’s U23 side recently, alongside Danny Greenfield and Guisely’s Nathan Newall.
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