GRIMSBY Town could host a Premier League club as part of their pre-season build-up – with Sunderland appearing the most likely visitors.
The Mariners have confirmed six friendlies already ahead of the start of the next campaign on Saturday, August 10.
A short trip to face Clee Town kicks things off on Tuesday, July 9 before clashes against Winterton Rangers, Brigg Town, Scunthorpe United, Bradford City and Gainsborough Trinity.
But the best could be yet to come, with Town hopeful of attracting a Premier League giant to Blundell Park for their remaining fixture.
Paolo Di Canio's Black Cats may fit the bill, with former Mariners defender and Youth manager Robbie Stockdale part of the coaching set-up at the Stadium of Light.
But Town joint boss Rob Scott isn't ready to name names.
"We've still got one game to finalise for pre-season," he told the Telegraph.
"Our chief executive, Ian Fleming, is working on getting one sorted, and we're hopeful of getting a Premier League club here – that would be great.
"I'm not saying it's going to be their full first team, although they may have a sprinkling of players in there.
"That would give us an opportunity to look at the younger lads who are at that particular club, and might be available through the course of the season.
"We're not any clearer on who that opposition will be yet but we're working on a number of things and waiting on clubs coming back to us."
