Sunderland have further added to the club's under-23 side with the signing of Stephen Wearne, once of Middlesbrough.

The 2019/20 campaign saw the Black Cats' academy have a disastrous run of form in the league with both the under-18 and under-23 outfits failing to gain a single victory in their respective divisions.

Following such poor performances, Paul Reid left his role as academy manager, prompting speculation that the club's Tier 1 academy status could be under threat.

A plethora of players have since left the academy setup but they have since been replaced by a number of new faces.

The changes at under-23 level saw three new faces arrive last month to bolster Elliot Dickman's squad, with Sam Wilding, Bobby Beaumont and Vinnie Steels coming in, whilst Kenton Richardson also signed.

Joining the aforementioned four players was Burnley striker Will Harris, and they have now been supplemented by the addition of attacking midfielder Wearne.

The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-year deal on Wearside after leaving 'Boro earlier this summer, where he made 60 appearances for the Championship club at youth level.

Wearne is a good addition for Elliot Dickman, especially given that he contributed to 20 goals in those 60 games for Boro, with 10 goals and 10 assists.

The under-23 side have no excuse but to improve given that several new players have arrived and it will be interesting to see how they develop over the next few weeks and beyond.

Do you think Sunderland's academy sides can improve on last season? Let us know your views in the comments section below...