Sunderland have handed new deals to 12 players who have been regulars for the Under 21s this season.

Joel Dixon, John Egan, David Ferguson, Alex Gorrin, Scott Harrison, Billy Knott, Jordan Laidler, Craig Lynch, Liam Marrs, Adam Mitchell, Connor Oliver and Jordan Watson have all been offered either one or two-year contracts.

Coach Kevin Ball said: "This gives them a big opportunity and we hope they'll stay, but they have to understand that a new contract doesn't give them a right to play in the first-team but it is up to them to work hard and keep progressing."