Non-league striker Duncan Watmore is the first signing made by Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio.
Sunderland have signed teenage striker Watmore from non-league side Altrincham.
Watmore featured regularly for Altrincham in the Conference North last season and scored 14 goals in 29 starts.
Academy manager Ged McNamee told Sunderland's official website: "We are pleased to welcome Duncan to the club and wish him the best of luck."