Leeds United reportedly wanted to bring Hartlepool United’s Josh Hawkes to the Championship; now he is linked with Middlesbrough and Sheffield United.
Hartlepool United are in danger of losing their prize asset. According to TEAMtalk, north east trio Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are among the clubs keen to sign the 20-year-old midfielder and give him a chance in the Football League.
Two more Championship clubs, Hull City and Sheffield United, are also understood to be interested. But one second tier side that is absent from the gossip so far is Leeds United.
This is despite the fact that Leeds were credited with an interest in young Hawkes by the Sunderland Echo in April 2018.
But, with interest rising from the top three tiers of English football, maybe now is the time for the West Yorkshire giants to throw their hat back into the ring.
After all, Marcelo Bielsa is a coach who thrives with young talents at his disposal.
Just look at the remarkable developments made by Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Tyler Roberts in recent months while Leeds themselves have evolved from a mid-table side into genuine title contenders.
Elland Road, then, could be the perfect destination for a goal-scoring midfielder who has hit the net five times in 21 games this season.
Victor Orta is the man in control of transfers at Leeds, and it would come as no surprise if it emerged that he was still keeping tabs on Hawkes, who has continued to catch the eye at non-league level.
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