Sunderland have entered talks to sign centre-half Callum Doyle from Premier League champions Manchester City on a two-year loan deal, as reported by the Northern Echo.
While the Black Cats will have to be patient as they look to bring in another Manchester-based youngster – United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will run the rule over Ethan Galbraith in pre-season before deciding whether to let him go – a deal for Doyle should be completed before the League One season kicks off in August.
Sunderland have entered talks over a deal for City’s ball-playing centre-back.
The England U18 international is highly regarded at the Etihad, playing 12 times en route to the Premier League 2 title last season.
But the Champions League finalists obviously feel Doyle would benefit from a two-year spell in the hustle and bustle of the third tier.
A temporary move to Wearside could be the making of the teenager. If he can adapt to life against battle-scarred centre-forwards in the most uncompromising of environments, he may never need to return to the sterilised world of academy football.
Doyle would suit possession-based style at Sunderland
Left-footed Doyle is renowned at City for his impressive passing range and ability to start attacks from the back.
He looks perfectly suited to the patient, possession-based style Lee Johnson wants to perfect at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have already completed the signing of goalkeeper Jacob Carney from City’s red-clad neighbours, while Alex Pritchard has joined on a free transfer despite holding talks with Championship sides Birmingham City and Derby County.
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