Sunderland have taken Newcastle United’s Nathan Harker on trial – with the goalkeeper starting for the Blacks Cats U-23’s on Monday night.
Elsewhere, former Mag Cal Roberts has completed a move to Notts County after a prolific spell with Blyth Spartans.
The 22-year-old – who was released by Newcastle United last summer – bagged 17 goals in 25 games for Blyth and has now signed a deal until the end of next season at Meadow Lane.
As for Harker – one of the club’s U-23 prospects – the Sunderland Echo reveal that he started for the Black Cats’ second string in their Premier League Cup clash with Huddersfield on Monday night.
The 21-year-old stopper spent the first half of the season on loan at National League North side Blyth Spartans – playing alongside ex-Mag Cal Roberts in the process – but returned to Tyneside in December.
With his future uncertain and him struggling for game time at U-23 level, the Sunderland Echo claim he’s now training at the Academy of Light – and could join the Mackems on a permanent deal should he impress during his trial period.