Sunderland take former Everton teenager on trial, he’s joined U21s Italy camp – report
Sunderland have taken former Everton defender Edward Jones on trial during pre-season, according to the Sunderland Echo.
James Copley reported [18 July] that the 19-year-old was released by the Toffees in the summer, and towards the end of last season underwent a trial period at West Bromwich Albion.
It is understood that Jones has travelled with the Under-21 and Under-18 squads for their pre-season camp in Italy, where he Graeme Murty’s U21 side are facing Hellas Verona and the Bologna first team.
Sunderland hand young defender Jones a trial
Sunderland have improved drastically in recent times with their U21 squad, reaching the Premier League 2 play-off final last campaign and bringing through a handful of players to the senior matchday squad.
Jones will be hoping his trial basis is successful with the Black Cats given their track record for development.
The defender was a first-year professional last season and featured 12 times for the Blues’ U21s last year, as well as 23 times the previous term for the U18 side.
Sunderland’s young defenders Zak Johnson and Ben Crompton have already made first-team debuts, whilst Tom Lavery and Oli Bainbridge have both been named on the bench in the Championship.
The club will observe Jones and weigh up their decision on the centre-half later this week.
In other Sunderland news, an injury prognosis has been confirmed for Dan Ballard.
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