Sunderland invited schoolboy Francis Okoronkwo to their EFL Trophy final in bid to fend off interest from Premier League clubs as youngster joined in celebrations after victory over Tranmere at Wembley
- Sunderland invited 16-year-old Francis Okoronkwo to their EFL trophy final
- Sportsmail understands the move was to fend off Premier League clubs
- The youngster has attracted interest with his performances for the U18 side
- Okoronkwo joined in the celebrations as Sunderland beat Tranmere at Wembley
Sunderland invited schoolboy Francis Okoronkwo to Wembley for their EFL Trophy Final in a bid to fend off Premier League interest.
The Black Cats are aware of top-flight clubs circling around their Under-16 striker and the new regime are determined not to lose him.
We understand that was the motivation behind taking Okoronkwo with them to the capital, where he joined the celebrations after their 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers on Sunday.
Sunderland invited schoolboy Francis Okoronkwo (bottom left) to their EFL trophy final at Wembley in a bid to fend off interest from Premier League clubs
Okoronkwo, at 6ft 3ins, has caught the eye for Sunderland’s Under-18s this season and has already signed a scholarship deal with the club.
The 16-year-old, from Blyth in Northumberland, was back at school on Monday morning following his weekend away with the senior squad.
Sunderland, now under the ownership of Swiss trust-fund billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, want to build the club around emerging talent such as Okoronkwo.
New sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is keen to learn from the mistakes of the previous owners, who sold a host of gifted youngsters, including striker Joe Hugill, the 17-year-old who is now winning rave reviews at Manchester United.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreygus (left) wants to build the club around emerging talent