Manager Keith Hill has secured the services of former Sunderland forward Craig Lynch, subject to confirmation from the Football League and the FA.
The 21-year-old has joined the club on non-contract terms.
Lynch, who joined Sunderland when he was just six years old, came through the youth ranks at the Premier League side and established himself in the club's under 21 side.
He was rewarded with a call up to the first-team squad in the closing stages of the 2010/11 season, coming on as a substitute in the final two home games of the season.
Lynch also had a spell with Hartlepool United, making six appearances during a one month loan period in 2012.
“He’s got a good pedigree after coming through a top class academy at Sunderland,” commented Assistant Manager Chris Beech.
“We brought him in to have a look at after he left Sunderland and he played well in a reserve game at Blackpool and during our training sessions.
“Craig has an understanding, as we do, that he has got to get up to Rochdale tempo and that is going to take him three to four weeks. So from a supporters’ point of view I’d just ask for a little bit of patience because they might not get to know him quite so soon.”