Benji signs a new one-year contract at Sunderland

Benji Kimpioka has ended his long contract impasse with Sunderland by putting pen to paper on a new deal to remain on Wearside.

After his previous deal expired in the summer, Kimpioka has signed a new one-year contract, with the option of another 12 months.

The Black Cats youngster has not taken part in the preseason programme as talks over his situation continued, and is likely going to have to build his match fitness before he is considered for first-team selection.

Su n d e rl a n d b o s s P h i l Parkinson said: "We’re very pleased that Benji’s contract situation has been resolved.

"Now, it’s up to him to work hard and push his way into the first-team picture.”

Kimpioka has not made a senior appearance for the Black Cats since November 26, 2019.

The 20-year-old will have to battle the likes of Dan Neil for more action in the coming months.

Oliver Younger, meanwhile, has been called up to train with Sunderland’s first-team – having caught the eye of staff at the Academy of Light.

Younger, 20, was on the books of Premier League side Burnley until the summer, when he left Turf Moor after a 13-year association with the Clarets.

A natural centre-back, the Skipton-born defender has also enjoyed a loan spell in Ireland, with St Pat’s Athletic handing him some vital firstteam exposure.

He joined Sunderland as a member of their under-23 squad in September, but has made a quick impression on Wearside.

Indeed, Younger trained with the first-team squad on Wednesday.

Benji Kimpioka.