Blackpool boss Lee Clark is returning to Sunderland for a loan signing.

The Daily Star Sunday says Blackpool want Sunderland midfield ace Connor Oliver in a January loan deal.

The Seasiders have watched Oliver, who had a loan spell with League Two Hartlepool last season and can also play in central defence.

Former Sunderland boss Malcolm Crosby has followed Clark to Bloomfield Road as head of recruitment after working under him at Birmingham City.

And Sunderland are expected to agree to Oliver, 20, joining Blackpool's fight to stay in the Championship.