The trialist who came off the bench to score for Town’s U21s yesterday is understood to have been former Sunderland forward Mason Cotcher.

Cotcher netted the second goal on 85 as the Blues youngsters defeated Wigan 2-0 at Portman Road having come on in the 68th minute.

According to the EADT, the player was 17-year-old Cotcher, who turned down a professional contract at Sunderland last summer to look for a new club.

Twice-capped England U17 international Cotcher had been highly rated on Wearside, former Blues skipper Tony Mowbray having included him among his subs for an FA Cup tie during 2022/23, a season in which he netted nine times in 19 appearances U18 Premier League games.

Since then, he has spent time on trial with various clubs, among them Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta reported to have been a fan in November when he trained with the Gunners first team, Manchester United and Leeds United earlier this month where he was reported to have been offered a contract. Glasgow giants Rangers and Brighton and Hove Albion have also been linked.

If and when Cotcher ultimately signs a pro deal, the Black Cats would be due compensation.

Town are taking a look at a number of trialists in the final weeks of the season, TWTD having revealed that Khemani Aiyanyo, who is currently with Erith and Belvedere, was among those who netted for the U18s in their 6-1 thrashing of Fleetwood at the weekend and Karl Bailey, who is currently with Woking’s youth set-up, scored for the U21s in last week’s 1-1 draw at Crewe.

Photo: Matchday Images

itfchorry added 15:26 - Apr 24 Quality Player -
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 18:08 - Apr 24 If we sign him it will be a case of Gotcha My son
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Gforce added 20:26 - Apr 24 Why would he turn down a professional contract with Sunderland ? Doesn't make sense.
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Wickets added 20:55 - Apr 24 Already been offered a contract by Leeds I read . Maybe he fancies East Anglia .
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JewellintheTown added 07:06 - Apr 25 Can't say I know anything more than in this article but with all those big clubs sniffing around him, it's a compliment he's trying out here & not already been signed up. Our reputation seems to be interesting a decent crop of players. Clearly investigating something in us that the others don't offer. Exciting times.
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Suffolkboy added 15:10 - Apr 25 Might well be real talent with a wise head and properly advised ! KM and Co plainly maintain high standards and work exceptionally hard to ensure ITFC can and do explore the market at large . COYB
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Carberry added 19:20 - Apr 25 This market won't be enough if we get promotion, we will require an international perspective.
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