SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has today joined City on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old, a former team-mate of Billy Knott at the Stadium of Light, kept a clean sheet against the Bantams in February.

Pickford has yet to play a senior game for Sunderland but made 31 appearances last season during two loan spells with Burton and Carlisle. He made his debut for the Cumbrians in their 1-0 win over City at Brunton Park.

The season before, he was loaned out to Darlington and Nicky Law’s Alfreton.

The 6ft 1in youngster is highly rated and has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels.

Pickford’s arrival will throw a question mark over Jon McLaughlin, who has spent pre-season with the club despite rejecting their initial contract offer.