With the season coming to a close, teams are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2019/2020 season.
Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle United are the teams who are thought to be keen on scouting Hartlepool United youngster Josh Hawkes.
The 19 year-old has drawn attention from these aforementioned teams despite only making seven first team appearances in what has been a season-to-forget for the Pools.
Much of the season has been a relegation scrap but only in the recent weeks have the team from County Durham pushed themselves up into mid-table.
Out of the teams keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder, it appears Sunderland are the most keen to pursue their interest further, having (according to the Sunderland Echo) asked to watch Hawkes play in a behind-the-scenes game – however this move was thwarted by his current club.
Hawkes is emerging to be one of the highest-rated talents in the National League this season despite his low appearance tally.
Making his full first team debut against Bromley two weeks ago, Hawkes scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory and has retained his starting role in the proceeding two games against Maidstone and Guiseley.
With it looking more likely the Pools will survive the drop, Hawkes should be able to play with more confidence and be given more minutes in a bid to impress potential suitors who will look to acquire his services this coming off-season.
Caretaker boss of Hartlepool, Matthew Bates, has gone on record as saying that the ‘sky was the limit’ for the attacker.