'I'm waiting to speak': Sunderland defender Jordan Hunter opens up on his future at the Stadium of Light

The full-back joined the Black Cats on a one-year deal in July 2018, just a month after he had been released by Liverpool.

Hunter then penned another one-year deal last summer and has spent the first half of the season on loan at South Shields as he became a mainstay of the Mariners side that is sat at the top of the BetVictor NPL Premier Division table.

He impressed management duo Graham Fenton and Lee Picton sufficiently to have his loan spell extended to cover the entire campaign and he will now be part of the Mariners side that looks to secure the club’s fourth promotion in five seasons.

Hunter’s Sunderland future remains undecided and he is awaiting news on whether he will be offered a new deal at the end of the season – but the Scouse defender confirmed that he would be open to a more permanent stay at Mariners Park if his time at the Stadium of Light is brought to an end.

He told The Gazette: “I have really enjoyed it here and I have loved every minute since I first came in.

“The setup here at South Shields, the plans for the summer, the money and the effort, and what Geoff is trying to do with the stadium, you can tell it’s a growing club.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you see South Shields in the National League and pushing for a place in League Two.

“In an ideal world I would stay at Sunderland, but of course I would be open to staying at South Shields.

“I am waiting to speak to Sunderland, and we will just have to wait and see.

“I know, whenever I step out on the pitch here, either someone from Sunderland is watching or Graham and Lee will speak to Elliott Dickman and let him know how I am getting on.

“So hopefully if that feedback is positive, I might get offered something, but we shall see.”

Hunter will be in the Mariners squad once again on Saturday when they host Witton Albion at Mariners Park.