According to Echo reporter, Richard Menner, Newcastle United are among a host interested parties for Hartlepool United midfielder, Josh Hawkes. Championship sides like Sunderland, Leeds United and Middlesbrough are also monitoring the highly rated 19-year-old who seems to be impressing in the National League.
Josh Hawkes is a wanted manhttps://t.co/HLndpLvVMO #Pools #HUFC #SAFC #NUFC #LUFC #Boro
— Liam Kennedy (@LiamJKennedy23) April 5, 2018
Hawkes has found a break into the Hartlepool starting XI having appeared in 7 games this season. He scored against Bromley last weekend, his full 90-minute debut as a professional for the Monkey Hangers.
Sunderland had even inquired about the player’s availability and had expressed interests in watching the player take the pitch behind closed doors, but United declined. Pools themselves are in the midst of a business takeover by Teeside businessman, Raj Singh.
Hartlepool has solidified their position in the National League this season and have put their relegation worries on the backboard after winning four of their last 5 league fixtures. This is a massive boost especially since their entire future was under threat earlier in the year.
Hawkes has started the last three fixtures and is adapting to the challenges quite well. His creative output along with an impact in the team’s overall offence is significant and Hawkes looks more than comfortable in the number 10 role.
At such an early age, he has shown signs of great composure and playmaking ability. These are traits that every major scout look for and always places youngsters in a favourable spot for selection.
When asked about the youngster interim manager, Mathew Bates said, “He’s learning and for his age you won’t see a better player in the area. His decision making was that of a senior player. He will stay grounded and have to react to the knocks. “It’s up to him to go far and do it. He doesn’t doubt himself. I’ve been there myself as a young player, and he will get bumps along the way.”
Hawkes clearly is not short of footballing talent or the intelligence to play for one of the top-division clubs but can he make it against Premier League competition? Newcastle United are on their way to securing a second season in England’s top-flight and quality additions are being lined up for the summer.
Rafael Benitez has improved upon the squad by making a few key signings in the January window. If he is to stay, Mike Ashley will have to provide more financial leverage and Josh Hawkes could be at the top of that shortlist.
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But 7 games is far too small a sample size. Maybe the Magpies should either wait out another year or wait for the end of the season before making an offer.
