Promising Sunderland defender rewarded after playing leading role in memorable run

LUKE Bell has become the latest Sunderland youngster to sign his first professional contract with the club.

It comes on the back of an impressive year for the 18-year-old, who played a key role in helping the Black Cats reach the Premier League 2 play-off final.

The centre-half was a mainstay in Graeme Murty's side and has now been rewarded with a new deal running until 2026, with the option of a further year.

Bell has been on Sunderland's books for a decade.

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Robin Nicholls said, academy manager, said: “Luke has made great progress during his time with the club, particularly in the past few months where he has played an important role in the U21 team that progressed to the Play-Off Final of PL2.

"He has captained our U18 team this season and continued to develop himself individually under the tutelage of the PDP staff across all domains.

"It is great that Luke has signed his first professional contract, and we look forward to challenging him further in the coming seasons.”