Middlesbrough have taken Alex Storey on trial and could offer the youngster a permanent contract, report the Sunderland Echo. 

The defender began his career at Sunderland and although he never made a first-team appearance, he was highly regarded and regularly featured in the Premier League youth league.

It is a signing which would make a lot of sense for Boro and manager Jonathan Woodgate, who has spent much of his coaching career so far working with young players.

Boro are in need of defensive reinforcements after selling Aden Flint to Cardiff last week, but the club could opt to invest in the 20-year-old Storey as a bargain who could potentially develop into a top player.

The club has had success in developing defenders in recent years. First Ben Gibson became a key player in the side which won promotion to the Premier League in 2016, and now Dael Fry has become one of the first names on the team sheet and built an impressive partnership with Daniel Ayala.

Storey is only on trial so has a lot to do if he is to earn a contract. Woodgate will know more than most what it takes to succeed as a centre-back and if the former Sunderland man can display those attributes then he has a chance.

The Verdict

This is a bit of a gamble by Middlesbrough but one which could definitely work out in their favour.

Boro's coaching staff have proved they can develop talent, with Gibson, Fry and Marcus Tavernier examples of youth players who have or will go on to play at the top level.

Storey would be training with top defenders and he could learn a great deal from Woodgate, so could be low risk for great reward.