By Luke Pawley

Leicester City defender Justen Kranthove is on trial with Sunderland, after a number of young players were told they were free to look for another club.

The 19-year-old Dutchman played 60 minutes as Sunderland Under-23s lost 3-2 to Wigan Athletic Under-23s in the Premier League Cup.

Kranthove, who joined Leicester from Dutch amateur side AFC ’34 in July 2018, conceded a penalty and scored a goal in his debut outing as a Sunderland triallist.

“A mixed night for the triallist,” wrote the Sunderland Echo in their player ratings article following last night’s match.

“Was having a decent game until he conceded a penalty. Made an impact at the other end too after scoring Sunderland’s second goal. Subbed around the hour mark. 6/10.”

The Foxes’ youth ranks are strong in central defensive areas, meaning Kranthove has struggled for game time this season due to the form of players such as Darnell Johnson, Calvin Ughelumba and Darragh O’Connor.

Kranthove was a regular for Leicester City’s Under-18 side last season and put in a number of impressive displays, but struggled to make the step up and earn a place in the Under-23 squad.

A source close to Leicester City has confirmed that Kranthove is one of ‘a handful’ of young players who have been told that they are free to look for another club.

Under-18s defender Camron Gbadebo was another of the players in question, and following a trial at Watford earlier this season, the 17-year-old recently announced that he had signed for Manchester City.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old defender Lukáš Hušek and striker Raúl Uche, 22, have both left the club on a permanent basis, joining Sparta Prague and Real Valladolid respectively.