OPINION
Newcastle are reportedly in a battle with Premier League rivals Liverpool to sign Hartlepool youngster Connor Simpson.
The Mirror claimed on their live transfer blog (4:28am, Sunday) that the two top-flight clubs are keen on landing the 17-year-old striker.
It is understood that the teenager is yet to sign a professional contract with non-league side Hartlepool, who were relegated from Two last season.
Simpson has made two senior appearances for Hartlepool and has drawn comparisons with Andy Carroll, who has had previous spells at Newcastle and Liverpool in the past.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle fans will be pleased to see their club are monitoring young talents across England and players have previously made the jump up from non-league football to the Premier League.
However, Rafael Benitez’s side need to focus on bringing marquee signings to St James’ Park to help them secure Premier League survival.
Simpson would go straight into the Magpies youth teams if he joined and is a long-term project.
The teenager may have a bright future in the game and comparisons with target man Carroll are a good sign, but Newcastle’s focus needs to be on top-class talents.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10
Likely to happen?
It appears likely that Simpson could be snapped up in the near future before he signs a professional contract with Hartlepool.
It seems like it’s a 50-50 call on who the striker could join and both Premier League teams would appear to be a glamorous move.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool could just shade it given their introduction of young players to their senior squad in recent years.
The Merseyside club have a knack of bringing through talents from their academy, with the likes of Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the first team.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have sent out youngster Adam Armstrong and Ivan Toney on loan this season.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10