Louis Laing: Taken on trial by Manchester United

Laing is searching for a new club as he been informed he will not be handed a new deal at Sunderland when his contract expires this summer.

The news has alerted a host of clubs to Laing's availability and he enjoyed a training stint at Blackburn earlier this month.

United have now expressed an interest in Laing and he is expected to feature for the club's Under-21s against Reading on Thursday.

Laing, who has represented England at all levels between Under-16 and Under-19, has made just substitute appearance for Sunderland's first team during his time at the Stadium of Light.

The 21-year-old saw his progress at Sunderland hampered by injuries and managerial changes, but United are weighing up a move for the centre-back by casting an eye over him in training.