EVERTON are keeping an eye on Sunderland’s left-back Oli Bainbridge.
The powerful 18-year-old prospect is tipped to get into the Black Cats side before the end of the season.
Bainbridge signed a deal with Sunderland last summer.
The contract, penned in June, keeps the youngster tied down to the club until 2025.
Sunderland also have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
Academy manager Robin Nicholls was over the moon after confirming Bainbridge’s new deal.
He told the club website: “It is great news that Ollie has committed his future to the club for the next few seasons.
“He is someone who has displayed strong performance and potential throughout last season and is always looking to develop himself as a player.
“This contract is a reflection of the hard work that he and his family have put in for several years now.”
Bainbridge was included in Sunderland’s squad for the first time on Saturday.
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He was an unused substitute in their goalless draw with QPR at the Stadium of Light.
The result ended a run of six straight defeats for Sunderland – who have not won since a 3-1 victory over Plymouth on February 10.
They have dropped from play-off contention to mid-table obscurity in the Championship, 13 points adrift of the top six.
