Sunderland are monitoring the progress of Hartlepool United midfielder Josh Hawkes ahead of a potential move this summer. According to recent reports, the Black Cats are interested in making a swoop for his services after the 19-year-old youngster broke into the Pools first-team earlier this season. The talented teenager even went on to score on his full debut for the National League club in their recent victory over Bromley.
However, the Black Cats are set to face stiff competition from a whole host of clubs which include Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Leeds United, who are all in pursuit of Hawkes’ signature. It is believed that Chris Coleman’s side were eager to catch him in action in a behind-closed-doors match in March but Hartlepool United wouldn’t sanction it to happen. The 19-year-old still has a year left on his current contract with the Pools, who are on the verge of being taken over by Teesside businessman Raj Singh.
Some sources are claiming that the takeover will take place imminently with the club in a far better position than they were, a few weeks ago when the Pools’ future was in doubt. The National League outfit has also managed to get themselves away from the relegation zone in recent weeks with Hawkes starting for the club in their last three league outings.
The Tynesiders are currently in danger of being relegated to League One at the end of the season. Chris Coleman’s team are languishing in the 23rd position in the Skybet Championship rankings and are in need to pick up some positive results in these final few matches to have a chance of ensuring their second-tier lives for another campaign. They are still 8 points adrift of safety but the Black Cats still have plenty of points to play for, going into the business end of the campaign.
The addition of Hawkes will undoubtedly bolster Coleman’s midfield options ahead of the new season. Sunderland have the likes of Jack Rodwell, Lee Cattermole, Joel Asoro, Duncan Watmore, Jonny Williams and Ovie Ejaria vying for a place in Coleman’s senior side. The potential signing of Hawkes will definitely add more competition for places in their squad next term.
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At 19, the Pools teenager still has a lot of time to grow and develop his game which the Black Cats could make use of in the coming years. Hawkes has made 7 appearances for Hartlepool this season with one goal to his name so far. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Hawkes and whether he ends up making a switch to the Stadium of Light this summer.
