Sunderland are closing in on sealing a deal for Morecambe youngster Connor Pye, according to a report from Football Insider.

It is understood that the Black Cats have reached an agreement with the Shrimps over a move for the 18-year-old.

Pye is unlikely to immediately be a part of Alex Neil's first-team plans and will instead be considered as a long-term project by Sunderland.

Morecambe opted to place Pye on the transfer list following the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign.

The teenager's progress has been monitored by a number of Premier League and Championship sides.

Pye signed his first professional contract in January and made his debut for Morecambe in the EFL Trophy last season.

Yet to make a league appearance for the Shrimps, Pye has been forced to watch on from the sidelines for the club's recent clashes with Shrewsbury Town and Peterborough United.

Sunderland have already bolstered their squad this summer by swooping for a number of players.

Ellis Simms joined the Black Cats on loan from Everton earlier this month.

In terms of permanent signings, Sunderland have sealed deals for Daniel Ballard, Aji Alese, Alex Bass and Jack Clarke.

 

 

The Verdict

Set to head to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening, it will be interesting to see whether Sunderland are able to finalise a deal for Pye before this fixture.

Although Pye is a full-back, he was utilised in the heart of midfield by Morecambe in their EFL Trophy clash with Hartlepool United last year.

Seemingly set to make the switch to the Stadium of Light, Pye will be determined to make strides in terms of his development over the course of the current term.

If the defender is able to learn from Alex Neil's guidance, this could potentially turn out to be a shrewd bit of business by Sunderland who will be keen to achieve a relative amount of success in the Championship during the opening stages of the season.