Newcastle United and Sunderland could be in a transfer battle this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, Hartlepool United midfielder Josh Hawkes is wanted by Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Hawkes, 20, was born in Stockton-on-Tees and has come up through the Hartlepool ranks, with his roots firmly in the North East.
The midfielder has emerged this season with five goals in 21 games, his his recent form – three goals in five games – has seen him hit the headlines.
Now, TEAMtalk claim that the North East’s three major clubs – Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland – are all looking to sign Hawkes.
A host of other clubs, including Barnsley, Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Sheffield United are also thought to be interested in landing Hawkes.
Hawkes, who has had loan spells at Marske United and Dunston UTS, hit two goals in 12 games last season and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
Newcastle may well be favourites as the biggest side in the mix, but Hawkes’ next move may well be to a club who can promise him a path to first-team football.
That may give Sunderland a chance, but having been born close to Middlesbrough and made reference on Twitter to supporting Boro, the Championship club may just find that they have an advantage.
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