SUNDERLAND have offered a trial to Swedish teenager Gideon Granstrom as they look to add an international flavour to their youth ranks.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who is a Sweden Under-18 international, has spent the formative years of his footballing career in the academy at Swedish side Djurgardens, and has been named in the club’s senior squad on two occasions.

However, he has been lined up for a potential move to England, and is set to undergo trials at both Sunderland and Norwich City.

The teenager’s father and agent, Robert Granstrom, has confirmed his son’s plans, which could lead to a permanent switch across the North Sea.

Speaking in an interview with Swedish media outlet FotbollSTHLM, Granstrom said: “He went there (to England) earlier this week, and is doing his first training session today.

“He stays about ten days in total. They will be on this tour for a week, starting in Norwich then finishing with three days in Sunderland.”

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Asked whether he envisaged a permanent transfer being on the table at the end of his son’s time with Norwich and Sunderland, Granstrom added: “It’s open. From our side, we focus on the sporting aspect. It is instructive to come there and meet a different football culture and a different way of playing.

“Then it is a blank slate what happens after that. We have had a dialogue with Djurgardens the whole time, who understand the whole thing. But a club like Sunderland does not invite a player unless there is concrete interest.”

Sunderland have signed up a number of promising youngsters this summer, with the most high-profile deal seeing 16-year-old Chris Rigg commit his long-term future to the Stadium of Light despite competing interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Newcastle United and Manchester United.