An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of young winger Jewison Bennette in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Costa Rican journalist Kevin Jimenez has claimed that the Black Cats are in the "final stages" of a deal to sign Jewison Bennette from Club Sport Herediano.

He said in full: "Jewison Bennett will be Sunderland's new Championship player, the 18-year-old Costa Rican winger arrives from Club Sport Herediano. Deal in final stages."

Neil admitted earlier this month that he would like up to five new signings, saying: "We've still got four, potentially five that we want to bring in before the window ends.
"We need to make sure the squad is competitive and not only that, they brought four or five really fresh lads on who know the level, and that can really make a difference."

Future star

Bennette now looks set to become one of the signings Neil wants and he could be one for the future, rather than a player to come in and have an instant impact on Championship matches this season.

He has only played 35 senior club matches in his career and all of them have come in his native Costa Rica, whilst he has also been capped six times by his country - despite only turning 18 in June.

This season he has produced two goals and one assist in four league outings for Herediano in the league, offering a glimpse at what he could offer as a winger in the future. Although, there is not a big enough sample size to definitively state that he will fulfil his potential.

Journalist Josh Bunting has said that his pedigree suggests there is "obviously quality" there and that he broke the record for being the youngest capped player at international level for Costa Rica.

His eye-catching statistics - taking his age into consideration - suggest that there is potential there for him to become a star performer for Sunderland. However, he must first adapt to English football and prove that he can score and assist goals over the course of a season, rather than four games.

It is a gamble by the club but one that could result in them having a real gem in the future if he applies himself and Neil is able to help him develop and hone his skills.

This means that fans should be patient with Bennette if he does arrive at the Stadium of Light as, on paper, he does not appear to be a signing with a view to him making an immediate difference to the XI.