Manchester City take Hartlepool United ace on trial

The 17-year-old winger, who has been on Pools' books since the age of nine, is also reported to be attracting interest from Aston Villa after a number of impressive displays for the youth team this season.

The teenager, whose elder brother Billy is a former Hartlepool Youth Team player, has spent time training with City's youngsters.

In April 2014 it was announced that Blackford would progress from the Pools academy into the Hartlepool Youth Team for the 2014-2015 campaign.

Hartlepool-born Blackford is comfortable on either flank and is blessed with pace and an eye for goal.

He is the second Pools player to be taken on trial in recent weeks, with Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers taking a closer look at midfielder Brad Walker

Walker spent time on trial at Wolves as well as playing for their Under 21 side.

The 19-year-old played in the centre of the park in a Black Country reserve derby at Aston Villa, impressing against Villa wonderkid Jack Grealish.