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Scottish Newspaper the Daily Record have today claimed that Sunderland are on the verge of signing Livingston striker Matthew Knox following a successful trial period this week with the club.
The 18-year old has made 24 senior appearances for his current club, though has only seen Scottish Championship action just once so far this season since the West Lothian side were promoted in the summer.
He became the youngest player in Livingston’s history when he made his first-team debut against St Mirren on Boxing Day of 2015, just four days after his 16th birthday.
The teen started in Sunderland’s pre-season win over Livingston in the summer at the Almondvale Stadium, completing the first 45 minutes before being substituted off at half time.
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Knox spent a significant period of time on trial at Manchester United last season, and trained last week with fellow Championship side Barnsley in a bid to win a deal south of the Scottish border. It was claimed around the time of Knox’s stint that Sunderland were keen on his signing, and it would now appear that he’s now finally close to securing a contract having impressed during his spell on Wearside this week.
Knox has also trained with Liverpool, Everton, Rangers and Spurs, and is a player that has caught the eye of several scouts from top clubs over recent years.
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According to the report in the Daily Record, the newspaper ‘understands’ that the Scotland under-17 international’s display for Sunderland yesterday in a behind closed doors friendly has accelerated the prospect of a switch to the Stadium of Light.
Last week we brought you an interview with another trialist, Bognor Regis Town midfielder Tommy Block, another who featured in yesterday’s game.
It’s not yet known if there were others invited to train with the club this past week, but it would appear that an organised effort has been made in order to take a closer look at potential recruits for our faltering U23s side, who so far this season have struggled in their Premier League 2 campaign.