ELLIOT EMBLETON has left Sunderland to sign a season-long loan with fellow League One side Blackpool.

The 21-year-old has signed a contract extension committing him to the Black Cats until the summer of 2022, but will spend the remainder of this season on loan at Bloomfield Road.

Embleton has made 12 senior appearances for Sunderland this season, and has previously spent time on loan at Grimsby Town.

Sunderland sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, said: "Elliot requires a little more opportunity than we can provide at this moment and it’s an important period for him following the time he missed through injury.

"We have a clear plan for his progression and felt that under Neil, Blackpool was a great chance for him to gain more experience at this level in a different environment.

"We’ve taken the option on his contract for next season and we are all aligned on what he needs to do in the period leading up to the summer. He’s really excited about the challenge and we look forward to supporting him from afar."