Sunderland favourites to beat Newcastle United, Leeds and Middlesbrough to Hartlepool striker

The 17-year-old forward is also being tracked by the likes of Newcastle United, Leeds United and Middlesbrough but fresh reports claim Sunderland have moved ahead of their rivals in the bid to land him.

Pools face losing some of their brightest young talents following changes to the youth set-up with the club's scholarship programme in partnership with East Durham College set to be scrapped in place of an unpaid football programme at Hartlepool College.

Joe Grey, Brad Young, Harrison Webster, Connor Rennison and Chapman are among some of the youngsters who could leave, with TEAMtalk reporting Sunderland are closing in on Chapman.

Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Leeds United are thought to be amongst the clubs looking at Webster.

Barnsley, Charlton Athletic and Leeds are rumoured to have expressed an interest in signing Rennison following his release.

Earlier this summer Challinor said that goalkeeper Young, who had previously attracted interest from Chelsea, remains under contract and part of his plans for next season.

Grey was offered a professional contract by Pools shortly after his 17th birthday back in May.

While Grey is yet to agree his first pro-deal at Pools, he remains on a scholarship contract that would keep him at Victoria Park.

It also means Pools would be eligible for compensation should another club approach to sign the promising player.

Speaking earlier this summer, Pools boss Dave Challinor told the Mail: “There has been some external interest in Joe but he has signed a two-year scholarship contract so if someone was interested in taking him then there would be a compensation figure to pay or it would go to a tribunal.

“Joe is one who we’ll hopefully keep but it’s a situation that’s constantly moving and there’s nothing more to update than that,” added the Hartlepool United boss.

Fears and uncertainty regarding Pools’ youth-team have been lingering throughout the summer due to the drastic budget cuts that have been taking place at the club following the shut down of the 2019-20 season.

The new season is set to start in early October.

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