Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says the potential to develop Aji Alese further means he's an important part of the Black Cats long-term plans.

The former West Ham United trainee has had his fair share of injury problems this season, playing just four times in all competitions, but has signed a new long-term deal with the Wearsiders until the summer of 2027. His previous deal was set to expire in 2025.

The centre-half, who can also play at left-back, was impressive last season as Sunderland finished inside the top-six, playing just games, picking up an ankle injury and a thigh injury that would rule him out for the run to the play-off semi-final last season.

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Alese returned from injury to play against Luton Town in that end of season shootout, but he'd injure himself in that game, which kept him our for the first-half of the season. He returned to the first-team over the turn of the year, but picked up another injury that's kept him out to the present day.

Interim boss Mike Dodds is hopeful he'll return to selection over the course of the international break and, despite those injury problems, Speakman says the club still have high hopes for the 23-year-old.

The Black Cats sporting director said: “We are really pleased to extend Aji’s contract. He’s performed at a high level for us and demonstrated the potential to develop further, so we see him as an important member of our squad.

"It’s been a difficult 12 months for him due to injury, but his return to action is imminent and his personality has ensured that he has contributed to the group throughout his rehabilitation.

"We have high hopes for Aji and his ambition matches our own, so we are delighted to secure his long-term future.”

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Alese added: "My time so far at the club has been enjoyable. There have been a lot of ups and downs. There have been injuries, getting to the semi-final of the play-offs. The heartache of losing.

"There's been different managers but overall there's been a great group of lads and an even better group of fans. I'm from down south and up here is very different but the fans have taken to me and I've taken to the fans.

"Every time I step onto the pitch I can feel their presence and it's really helpful. I'm delighted to extend my stay here and I'm really looking forward to the future."