{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Exclusive: Sunderland striker agrees to join southern club
EXCLUSIVE By Pete O’Rourke
Sunderland striker Connor Shields has agreed a deal to join Aldershot on a free transfer, Football Insider can reveal.
The north-east giants announced earlier this week that the forward, 21, will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this month.
A source with knowledge of the player’s situation has told Football Insider that Aldershot have moved quickly to agree a deal with Shields as they look to build a side capable of winning promotion back to the National League next season.
Shields, who joined Sunderland from Albion Rovers in January 2018, never made a first-team appearance during his time at the club, but he was a regular in the Under-23s side.
He spent this season on loan at Scottish Championship side Alloa Athletic to gain first-team experience and he is now set to kick-start his career at his new club.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
Shields’ move to Aldershot is a blow to his other suitors, who include the likes of Dunfermline, York City and League Of Ireland side Derry City.
In other Sunderland news, it can be REVEALED that Sheffield Wednesday are plotting a move to sign a Black Cats first teamer.