Sunderland may have to pay out over £1m if they want to sign out-of-contract Crewe Alexandra trialist Max Clayton, according to a report.

The 19-year-old is midway through a fortnight's trial at the Academy of Light, with Crewe accepting that there is no chance of their starlet striker playing for them again after he wound down his deal at Gresty Road.

While there have been no talks yet between the two clubs over a potential fee for Clayton, the Shields Gazette understands that the League One side are looking for an initial fee of £1m if they are to approve Clayton's departure.

Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to West Bromwich Albion on August 16.