By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

9th Aug, 2022 | 7:30am

Sources: Sunderland agree to sign Morecambe defender Connor Pye

Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Morecambe defender Connor Pye, sources have told Football Insider.

The Championship giants have secured a breakthrough in talks to land the left-back, 18, after being impressed by his development at the League One club.

He is seen as one for the future at Sunderland and is unlikely to go straight into Alex Neil’s first-team plans.

Pye made his professional debut for Morecambe in last season’s EFL Trophy fixture away at Hartlepool United.

The youngster has been “made available for transfer” after the League One side announced their retained list in May.

Manager Derek Adams explained budget restrictions are behind the decision to transfer-list the starlet – who has two years left to run on his contract.

Sunderland now look set to give Pye the opportunity to make a step up to the Championship and fight to make a first-team breakthrough.

Football Insider revealed last year (18 October 2021) that Everton were keeping close tabs on the Morecambe left-back sensation, who has been hailed the “next Andy Robertson” due to his energetic playing style.

It is understood that a number of Premier League and Championship sides have been monitoring his progress.

Pye penned his first professional contract in January but is yet to see the pitch in League One competition.

The starlet will be behind 20-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin in the pecking order once he completes his Stadium of Light switch.

Sunderland have started their first season back in the second tier with a win and a draw in two games – and sit second in the division.

Meanwhile, Morecambe sit 21st in their second-ever League One season after a loss and a draw.

In other news, Football Insider updates as League One side make move to sign Sunderland star.