Leeds United are interested in signing Hartlepool United’s in-demand midfielder Josh Hawkes, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The regional newspaper claims that the Whites, Sunderland, Middlesborough and Premier League side Newcastle United are all eyeing the 19-year-old from the National League.
It is understood that the teenager is a highly-rated talent in the fifth tier of English football and is being tipped for stardom.
The report details that Hartlepool recently refused Sunderland entrance to watch Hawkes in a behind-closed doors game and that the player still has another year left on his current contract.
Good move for Leeds?
Hawkes is a rising star in non-league football after breaking into the first team at Hartlepool this campaign.
The Englishman can play anywhere across midfield and is also renowned for being a set-piece king, with real quality from both corners and free-kicks.
Leeds need a big overhaul in the summer transfer window under manager Paul Heckingbottom and it’s important the club sign players that can aid a promotion bid from the Championship.
Hawkes is right at the beginning of his senior football career and it seems unlikely that he could make a serious impact at Elland Road in the coming years.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10
Likely to happen?
Hawkes seems likely to stay with mid-table National League side Hartlepool for the meantime given the fact he has only just forced his way into their first team.
The midfielder is beginning to attract attention from higher up the footballing ladder, but there is nothing concrete yet to suggest Leeds will snap him up at the end of the season.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10