Michael Woud has signed a three year deal with English Premier League club Sunderland.

Promising young New Zealand goalkeeper Michael Woud has been upgraded to a three-year professional contract at English Premier League club, Sunderland.

The 17-year-old Aucklander impressed for Sunderland's under-18 side this season and is one of five youngsters to have signed three-year deals.

Woud, who is 1.96m tall, was New Zealand's first-choice goalkeeper at last year's under-17 World Cup in Chile.

He was spotted by a scout while playing in the Manchester United Premier Cup in England for Waitakere City in 2014.

READ MORE:

* Patterson signs with Ipswich Town

* France ends Iceland's dream run

* Scare near Stade de France

* Worst penalty shootout ever?

Sunderland, who are based in the North East of England, narrowly avoided relegation this season, finishing 17th.