Sunderland invited schoolboy Francis Okoronkwo to Wembley for their EFL Trophy Final in a bid to fend off Premier League interest.
The Black Cats are aware of top-flight clubs circling around their Under-16 striker and the new regime are determined not to lose him.
We understand that was the motivation behind taking Okoronkwo with them to the capital, where he joined the celebrations after their 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers on Sunday.
Sunderland invited schoolboy Francis Okoronkwo (bottom left) to their EFL trophy final at Wembley in a bid to fend off interest from Premier League clubs
Okoronkwo, at 6ft 3ins, has caught the eye for Sunderland's Under-18s this season and has already signed a scholarship deal with the club.