There are concerns within Sunderland that they may lose their academy status.
Sunderland's youngsters made the FA Youth Cup semifinals this season, but chairman Niall Quinn raised the prospect in his programme notes at the weekend.
He wrote: "We believe we are the only club in the Premier League without an indoor training area and we're well aware the club needs such a facility especially with the forthcoming closure of Crowtree, meaning we will also be in danger of losing our academy status."