Max Clayton to feature for Black Cats this evening

Max Clayton will feature for Sunderland in their pre-season friendly against Hartlepool as he aims to win a contract with the Premier League side. Clayton has had his trial period extended by Gus Poyet after playing just 45 minutes of a friendly against Darlington 1883 at the weekend.

Clayton is out-of-contract after rejecting our offer of a new deal but Crewe Alexandra is still entitled to a transfer fee due to the fact that the England Youth International is under the age of 24. A fee would have to be agreed between the two clubs or the eventual fee could be decided by an independent tribunal.

Gus Poyet, the manager of Sunderland, has explained that he needs a little more time to decide whether to move for the highly-rated youngster.

The Black Cats boss said after Sunderland’s latest pre-season game against Carlisle: “He’s (Clayton) playing tonight.

"I want to see him in a different game with different players and make a final decision.

"I don’t think after seeing him running in pre-season for two weeks and then having 45 minutes of football [against Darlington 1883 on Saturday], it’s enough to make a decision on him."