Sunderland’s Josh Maja has been with Simon Grayson’s first-team squad over pre-season.
Simon Grayson has told the Sunderland Echo that he knew about Josh Maja before being appointed at the Stadium of Light, and he has been very impressed by the youngster.
Maja is regarded as one of the best prospects at Sunderland, and there are hopes that he may be given a first-team chance in the upcoming campaign.
The striker has been a part of Sunderland’s pre-season tour of Austria, and Grayson has been impressed by Maja’s showings so far.
“He [Maja] has been good. I knew about him before we came. He is an exceptional talent,” Grayson said.
”The way we are in terms of the squad at the top end of the pitch then these younger lads will get an opportunity over the next few games at the very least.
“We said from day one the Under-23 players are not here to make up the numbers, but to make an impression.
“Do that and they have a chance for the season and I have been impressed with the younger players as well as the older players.”
Maja has made one appearance for Sunderland’s first team in the EFL Cup to date.
The 18-year-old could be in line to receive more regular game time next term though, as Sunderland’s striking options are not as strong as they once were.
Both Fabio Borini and Jermain Defoe have left the Wearsiders this summer, leaving Maja in with an opportunity to stake his claim for a place in Grayson’s starting line-up.
Grayson has begun to make alterations to Sunderland’s team recently, with Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning both signing up on loan from Everton.
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