Sunderland have struck a deal to sign Tyrese Dyce, according to reports from Football Insider.

The Black Cats are putting plans in place for the summer transfer window and appear to have made their first breakthrough in the shape of the 20-year-old.

A left-back by trade, Dyce came through the youth academy with West Bromwich Albion where he featured regularly for the club's under-18s and under-23s side during recent years.

Dyce even made two appearances in last season's Papa John's Trophy where he scored one goal in the clash with Swindon Town.

However with his contract expiring this summer the decision was made not to offer him a new deal at The Hawthorns, meaning that he's available to leave the club on a free transfer.

Since being informed of the decision, Dyce was invited for a trial at the Stadium Of Light where he made two appearances for the club's under-23s side as they reached the Premier League 2 play-off final against Crystal Palace - a match where he played all 90 minutes.

After seemingly impressing during that spell the decision has been made to offer him a contract with the League One giants with a deal likely to be announced soon.

The verdict

This could be a really good move for the future.

Tyrese Dyce is a left-back who is equally comfortable on the left side of midfield which means that he could be a real asset for Sunderland in seasons to come.

It's unlikely that he'll break into the first team straight away but with a clear pathway in place at the Stadium Of Light it would take a brave person to bet against him making an impact at some point over the next 12 months.

This could be Sunderland's first signing of the summer and fans will no doubt be delighted to see a signing all-but done.