"We were chatting one day and I asked if there was anyone available who was worth looking at,'' Greenacre said. "He told me about Alex and said he was surprised they were going to let him go.
"Robbie said a couple of Championship clubs had made enquiries and that if we were keen to get in touch with Alex.''
Gorrin's signing means the Phoenix have filled their five import spots, with Riera, Carlos Hernandez, Kenny Cunningham and Roy Krishna. The club decided against re-signing top goalscorer Stein Huysegem and there's a chance Paul Ifill could be signed as a local player.
Merrick said Gorrin was just the type of player the club was looking for.
"He isn't the finished article but was knocking on the first team door,'' Merrick said. "Twenty year olds aren't going to break into the Premier League too often, especially when a team is fighting against relegation as Sunderland are this season.
"We want players who can grow with the club and Alex fits into that category. I've watched his coaching videos, which Sunderland were kind enough to share with us, and was impressed. I also like it when a coach recommends a player rather than an agent.
"He is technically very good, has a good engine and is good at winning the ball, passing and retaining it. You could say he is a young version of Albert Riera.
"Alex can play a range of roles, including getting forward if the goals he scored against Liverpool and Fulham reserves are anything to go by.''
