Manchester United are set to hand Sunderland a welcome boost in their rumoured loan pursuit of Ethan Galbraith, according to the Sunderland Echo.

What's the story?

Sunderland were credited with interest in signing Galbraith earlier this summer, with the youngster looking to find regular minutes in senior football at the earliest of opportunities.

It remained to be seen as to whether the Premier League side were willing to loan him out though, or whether they saw his development best-served with them at this moment in time.

The Sunderland Echo have now recently revealed that the Red Devils are set to sanction his temporary departure from Old Trafford this summer, which is likely to heighten Sunderland's interest in landing his signature, as they prepare for the upcoming 2021/22 league campaign.

He's got a point to prove at senior level

Lee Johnson's side finished fourth in the League One table last term, but their season ended in disappointment, as they were beaten by Lincoln City in their play-off semi-final.

A number of players have since departed the Stadium of Light since that defeat to Michael Appleton's side, and Sunderland's supporters will be hoping that their side can make a timely return to the second tier of English football.

Additional strength in depth is likely to be needed within Johnson's first-team squad, and Galbraith would provide them with an additional option in the centre of midfield.

The Northern Irishman has only made one senior appearance for Manchester United, so it'll come as no surprise to see the Red Devils looking at loaning him out in search of first-team opportunities this season.

We've already seen some Manchester United youngster flourishing out on loan, with the likes of James Garner catching the eye with Nottingham Forest last term, and Sunderland will be hoping that Galbraith can have a similar impact ahead of the League One campaign, which is set to get underway in under a month's time.

But you're not on the books with a club the stature that Manchester United have by chance, and you have to earn the right to represent the Red Devils, so that speaks volumes about the potential that Galbraith has, and that'll excite the Sunderland supporters if he was to sign for the club.

There will be some that are likely to question his lack of experience in senior football as a potential concern, but Galbraith will be eager to make a name for himself in senior football, and a move to Sunderland could present him with the ideal opportunity to do just that moving forwards this year.

The Stadium of Light faithful should be buzzing if they're to secure the services of Galbraith, as he could prove to be the missing piece in their promotion jigsaw this season.