Sunderland to take ex-Manchester United midfielder on trial

The former Manchester United academy midfielder has been one of the highlights of the Heed’s disjointed National League North campaign and has attracted scouts from several EFL clubs during the season.

The 20-year-old initially moved to the International Stadium in the summer of 2019 following his release from SkyBet Championship club Barnsley and penned a one-year deal after impressing in pre-season friendlies against Northern League duo Hebburn Town and Consett.

Greenfield made a handful of appearances during his first season on Tyneside and signed a new one-year deal last summer before spending the first month of the campaign on loan at Northern Premier League club Matlock Town.

The Derbyshire club were keen on securing a permanent deal for the industrious midfielder – but he returned to Gateshead to solidify a place in Mike Williamson’s side with a string of impressive performances that were rewarded with a new long-term deal in December.

Greenfield scored his first goal for the club in front of visiting scouts as the Heed claimed a 1-0 win over National League North leaders Gloucester City in November and remained a key part of the Gateshead side up until their season was brought to an end last month.

His form over the campaign drew interest from Sunderland and the Black Cats are currently waiting for clearance from the Football Association before taking the midfielder on trial.

With Gateshead’s National League North season ended prematurely, Greenfield is expected to spend time training with the Black Cats and will be able to feature in two non-competitive fixtures for Elliott Dickman’s Under-23s side.