Sunderland academy graduate Jordan Pickford has once again been sent out on loan - this time to Championship side Preston North End - as reported by Chronicle Live. The news could quash rumours of Vito Mannone's departure, with the Italian goalkeeper previously one of several Black Cats thought to be on his way out of the club. Pickford's absence means that Mannone's support from the bench should still be necessary, for this season at least. Despite being only 21, this will be Pickford's sixth loan move of his career, the youngster having previously made appearances for Darlington, Alfreton, Burton, Carlisle and Bradford.