Dave Challinor content with Hartlepool United's goalkeeper situation with Ben Killip and Brad Young despite Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United interest

Pools already have two contracted goalkeepers for next season, whenever that may start.

England C international Ben Killip is the current first choice in between the sticks but he could face some competition from 18-year-old Brad Young following his spell on loan at Northern League Division One side Billingham Town last season.

Young has been linked with several top Premier League clubs, most notably Chelsea, with whom he spent a week on trial back in February.

The Blues were reportedly set to sign the teenage shot-stopper before the coronavirus pandemic and shutdown of football disrupted the season.

Despite having trouble with the goalkeeper position last season, Challinor is content with his current options.

“We’re in a good position with goalkeepers,” he said.

“We’ve got Brad who we need to put a plan together for. It was well documented that he went down to Chelsea for a week and had a great week.

“He’s still a Hartlepool player, he’ll be with us in pre-season but we need to put a plan together because this coming season may be too soon for him.

“We’ll see if we need to put him out on loan at a higher level again and have him ready for the season after because he’s got a great chance but we’re aware that we need to be careful with him because of the expectation.

“We need to avoid exposing him to something too quickly as a really young goalkeeper. Without doubt he’ll be a great keeper and hopefully he’ll have a great career at a level much higher than we’re currently at.”

On Killip, Challinor added: “Ben is contracted for next season so our goalkeeping situation isn’t one we need to do anything about.

“We’ll approach things in pre-season and see where things are. Those two will be with us in pre-season and they’ll have a fight to be number one for the first game of the season.”