Leeds United and Newcastle United are set to miss out, with Sunderland closing in on bringing in Luke Chapman, TeamTalk suggest.
Chapman is regarded as one of Hartlepool’s best prospects, but their youth academy is closing, and Leeds and Newcastle had been keen to bring him in.
However, it seems that Sunderland have won the race for the young forward – who may be looking for the quickest way to the first-team.
Leeds have aggressively pursued young talent in recent years, and now posses some seriously talented development players in their squad.
However, with the Whites returning to the Premier League, Chapman may have been waiting a while for game time.
It is a similar story at Newcastle, who have some experienced striking options in their squad, including Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle.
At Sunderland Chapman’s chances of gaining senior football in the coming years may be increased though.
The Black Cats are playing in League One, and have already shown a willingness to offer their most talented academy players time in their first-team in recent seasons.
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