Sunderland send three academy players out on loan

Sunderland have sent three academy players out on loan: Bayley Hester, Finlay Holcroft and Jaydon Jones. Each arrangement is for one month. The players are due to return to Sunderland when their respective spells end, unless further agreements are reached.

The moves are intended to give the Black Cats’ prospects the chance to test themselves in senior football. Each player is joining a club outside the Premier League. Hester's new club, Heaton Stannington, plays in Division One East of the Northern Premier League. For the coming month, Jones has joined Hebburn Town, who also play in the National League North.

Sunderland were sixth in the table when the announcement was made. The loan is intended to give the youngster concerned the opportunity to earn regular minutes in a competitive senior setting.

The shared aim is to help the players continue their development by gaining first-team experience away from the academy environment. The three loans are temporary departures, with a return to Sunderland due at the end of the month unless further agreements are made.