Hartlepool United's Brad Walker set for Wolverhampton Wanderers switch?

The 20-year-old midfielder spent a week training with Wolves last month and is understood to have impressed, with Walker now set to play a trial game tonight.

League Two Pools have confirmed Wolves have "expressed an interest" in Walker ahead of the game against Aston Villa at AFC Telford (KO 7pm).

Walker appears to have been out of favour at Victoria Park under Ronnie Moore this season.

Walker seemingly caught the attention of Wolves’ boss Kenny Jackett two seasons ago, when he came to the fore at Victoria Park under Colin Cooper and has remained on his radar.

A Pools statement read: "Brad Walker is set to play a trial game for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Under-21 side on Monday evening.

"The Championship outfit have expressed an interest in the Pools midfielder and he has now been given permission to feature in their fixture against Aston Villa at AFC Telford."

A Wolves statement added: "Wolves will also be taking another look at Hartlepool midfielder Brad Walker on a trial basis in tonight’s game, the player currently back for a second stint training at Compton Park with Hartlepool's permission."

Walker was a mainstay in the side in 2013/14, making 42 appearances under Cooper.

He won the club’s goal of the season award and was called up to train with England Under-18s that season – while also being named Football League Apprentice of the Year.

But last season he struggled and, when Moore took over 12 months ago next week, failed to make much impression.

He did, however, score two valuable goals as Pools pulled off the Great Escape.

This campaign has been a stuttering one, with one goal to his name.