LATEST NEWS: Sunderland are set to sign Glentoran winger Rhys Walsh

Rhys Walsh, a teenage winger from Glentoran, is expected to join with Sunderland. The Black Cats filed the required papers before last night’s 11 p.m. deadline.

from Friday morning, the Wearsiders were awaiting international permission, but Glentoran had verified the agreement from their end.

A number of other English clubs are rumored to have been keeping a close eye on the 17-year-old Northern Ireland youth international, and Sunderland decided to make a bid late in the January window instead of waiting until the summer.

Walsh reportedly made an impression with his brief training session with Sunderland earlier this year.

Lee Mudd, who also represents Sunderland defender Trai Hume, is the winger’s agent.

Walsh has participated in domestic cup tournaments, the Irish Premiership, and a Europa Conference League qualifying for Glentoran’s first team this season.

He’s also represented Northern Ireland at Under-17 and Under-19 level.

“Obviously I have mixed feelings about losing Rhys because obviously he’s a player who I know would have gone on to do great things for Glentoran as he was already becoming a big favorite here,” Glentoran manager Warren Feeney said.

On the other hand, Rhys has a fantastic opportunity as he joins a large team that has a strong reputation for fostering young players’ development and providing them with opportunities.

“Rhys is a strong and diligent young man in addition to being an entertaining player who has the ability to elevate a game with his skill and directness. He’ll take advantage of the chance and excel there, I’m sure.”

Feeney stated of Walsh earlier in the season, “The wee lad excites people; he’s got an edge about him.”

He enjoys taking on defenders by running at them. Rhys is one of those guys that makes people happy and gets bums off seats. He moves by them as though they are not there since he has everything.