SUNDERLAND have landed two promising talents from the Premier League to boost their Under-23s and challenge for first team spots.

As well as confirming the arrival of goalkeeper Ahmed Abdelkader earlier this week, the Black Cats have revealed Ruben Sammut and Michael Collins have joined from Chelsea and Everton respectively.

Three-time FA Youth Cup winner Sammut and ex-Toffees defender Collins have penned one-year deals in the hope of impressing enough to stay on longer.

Sammut is a central midfielder who has been taken back after a trial on Wearside at the back end of last season. He has previously won the UEFA Youth League with Chelsea. Collins has left Goodison Park where he has been since he was 14.

Sunderland’s Under-23s boss Elliott Dickman said: “We are delighted to welcome some new additions to our development side this summer. We had Ahmed on trial last season from France and he really impressed us so he will provide some stern competition to Anthony (Patterson) and push each other to develop better.

“Michael is a left footed centre-back and he played with us last season for the under-23 and under-18 teams. We have brought him in from Everton and are hoping he can continue to grow as a player next season.”

There was an interesting claim from Ralf Rangnick yesterday when he suggested Sunderland are the sort of club who would attract investment from Red Bull.

Rangnick, head coach of RB Leipzig, name dropped Sunderland as the kind of club they would target to expand their portfolio in England because they play in League One.

Red Bull have already taken over a number of clubs across the world including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.

Rangnick’s response to being asked if there were plans to grow was: “If we wanted to expand, only one club in England would make sense. A third tier like maybe Sunderland or Milton Keynes. However, problems would arise when the club is pushing into international business.”

Sunderland’s early-season date with Portsmouth has been moved for TV coverage. The kick-off for Sunderland’s home date with Portsmouth has been brought forward. The League One fixture will take place on Saturday, August 17 but will now start at 12.30pm.