Leeds United line up bid for 22y/o Sunderland talent Josh Hawkes
Leeds United are among a clutch of Premier League clubs ready to bid for highly-rated Sunderland youngster Josh Hawkes, according to TEAMtalk.
The online news outlet claims the Whites are battling West Ham, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the Black Cats youngster expected to move on in the summer.
County-Durham born Hawkes has been instrumental in helping the Sunderland Under 23 side to the Premier League 2 play-off final after joining from Hartlepool United last year.
It was at the National League club that he impressed Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host Stelling, who is president of the North-East outfit.
The Northern Echo journalist Nick Loughlin called Hawkes a “revelation” and spoke to Stelling about the talent in 2019.
“I’m sat in the director’s box and Josh Hawkes is on the bench and I’ve said ‘for God’s sake we need him on the pitch, a free spirit who can create’,” Stelling recalled.
“I will be staggered if – and this is if he maintains the attitude he has – he doesn’t play a lot higher. He has the talent.”
Late bloomer?
Lining up a bid for a 22-year-old player from a League One side, who he has yet to make a senior appearance for, appears strange at first glance.
But Hawkes has been on fire for the Under 23s this season.
According to Transfermarkt, he has scored 13 goals and registered six assists in 20 Premier League 2 (Division 2) appearances.
Manchester City’s Liam Delap is the only player who can better that tally in the two divisions.
It’s more than Whites starlets Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt (both 11) who have shone for champions Leeds United in their promotion-winning campaign.
Who knows what Marcelo Bielsa could do with Hawkes’ budding talents.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Absolutely terrific’ – Gordon Strachan blown away by selfless Whites star.