From Sunderland Echo:

Benji Kimpioka could still leave Sunderland on loan – with Notts County emerging as a possible option for some of the club’s younger players to gain first team experience.

Sunderland are open to the youngster heading out on loan in a bid to aid his development and there is still the possibility he could leave the Stadium of Light, with National League clubs able to sign loan players until a cut-off date in March.

Non-league would be the most likely move, however it’s understood there is nothing in the pipeline at the moment.

...

It comes as Sunderland’s non-executive director Tom Sloanes, speaking on the Veterans in Crisis podcast, suggested Notts County as one possible destination for some younger players.

No specific players were mentioned but he said: “A friend of mine has actually bought Notts County. Bally [Kevin Ball] looks after the young kids and things like that, so I’m going to put him in touch after the transfer window because they don’t have a deadline.

“So if Kevin has a couple of lads that he wants to get out because Kevin wants to see the young lads playing football.”

what like them becoming our feeder club?

i dont know, it could be of benefit but i dont think there is much needed for signing any further players. it took ardley awhile to figure we wanted graham but was quick to recall bird and then sign lacey.

Another winger/striker?

He looks to have plenty of pace but this would really freeze out Sam Osborne which would be very harsh. I don't think a winger is needed at this stage, we have Cal Roberts, if anyone would be to arrive - I think it should be in the centre of midfield. Yet, again I really don't think we need any more players because there's cover. Talk about deflating the squad after a very good local derby win (which was unexpected).

If Neal Ardley keeps talking about transfers and, signing players on loan it just seems polluted.

I understand the need for potential cover if injuries do happen, but surely the focus should be on getting people back to 100%?

I'm not against it, I just feel there's a risk of splitting hairs and causing issues which Ardley seems to be addressing - with the loaning out of Matt Tootle and Ross Fitzsimons. Two players who have spoken about wanting to feature more often.

It’s encouraging that a club like Sunderland could loan us players ..... as long as they are better than what we have. We fell short in the playoff season because we brought in substandard loans. Sunderland are looking for first team places for their players and I don’t see U23 players being right for a promotion push.

I think it's something Neal needs to be mindful about, we don't want to fuse out and fall out of the playoffs.

If any potential signings can offer Notts something in addition, to being happy to start based on form then it could be a good thing. Being linked with a winger after signing Callum Roberts and seeing Enzio lift himself does seem a bit weird.

It's one way to get good players on loan, if Sunderland consider Notts a good team to send out their good prospects then its only a good thing. Neal Ardley doesn't have to play anyone he doesn't want but if they strengthen the squad as a core then I am happy.

I think it will be a good thing, it will take time to see if it will be a benefit but the player mentioned looks too good for this league.

It will be good for us if Sunderland do want to send us some of their youngsters that need game time, it looked like Sheffield United might be that club at the start of the season.

Loan players would have to want to play and do their best, issue is sometimes they see it as a paid vacation.

I don't think we need another winger

Good in one way but depends how it works really.

Sign him up, he looks a brute. Wing or up front, he would be an asset I think.

I’m not against the idea, I think loan players are great way of getting players that we could only dream of signing permanently. Grealish, McGregor, Grant, Bola, Yates and Stubbs being the most recent crop.

I just think wouldn’t it be easier to do something like this with Leicester, Derby or Forest? These clubs are so close it would seem stupid not too. Assuming they were interested, it would be much easier for the potential players as they wouldn’t need to worry about travel/accommodation.

Good thing for Notts, if it happens. The lad looks like a good player that could give us that extra bit of quality at this level.

Sunderland aren't exactly a ground breaking club for producing youth players, we'll end up with the players nobody else wants to loan. It might start off promising but it will end up in this manner in my opinion.

Best to avoid it.

and the magic money tree to pay for these additional "loans"? It would only work if Sunderland paid the full costs of each loanee....

Sunderland might be prepared to pay for the loans, it would have to be trailed and agreed that they send players ready to play professional football.

No point sending out just anyone.

If he can improve Notts and Neal Ardley can get the best out of him, I think it would be worth making the enquiry.

On 08/02/2020 at 08:24, Piethagoram said:

and the magic money tree to pay for these additional "loans"? It would only work if Sunderland paid the full costs of each loanee....

Why would Sunderland want to send him somewhere that couldn't afford his wages?

@skyhighpie their "investment" is getting their lads game time... there is no way Notts can likely match  Sunderland wages

But who says Notts needs to pay the players wages? If they want him to get some game time and to develop further, and have seen a club they wish to send him. Surely it would be on their backs to pay?

Options within the current squad should be explored before looking elsewhere, Ardley has a duty to keep the players happy and for the sake of the teams morale he should look to trust what he has within the squad.

On 07/02/2020 at 21:49, Blink1862 said:

Sunderland aren't exactly a ground breaking club for producing youth players, we'll end up with the players nobody else wants to loan. It might start off promising but it will end up in this manner in my opinion.

Best to avoid it.

This. Treat it with a pinch of salt as apart from the odd player I cannot see Sunderland ever producing a conveyor belt of talent, they are just not known for it.

There are bigger clubs with more young talent nearer to home.

If the commented player is keen to come here and do well, I would take him. I'm not fussed who Notts works with, at times it will be a smaller big club but its down to Notts to prove can help.

On 10/02/2020 at 12:26, Fozzy said:

This. Treat it with a pinch of salt as apart from the odd player I cannot see Sunderland ever producing a conveyor belt of talent, they are just not known for it.

There are bigger clubs with more young talent nearer to home.

Our own talent would be a better investment in time and money, Sunderland might have a better coaching system but I doubt they have a lot of young players that much better than the academy here at Notts.