Teenage forward Joe Grey signs first professional contract at Hartlepool United despite rumoured interest from Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough

Over three months after announcing Grey had been offered a professional deal at the club, Pools have confirmed that the 17-year-old forward has agreed terms and will be part of Dave Challinor’s squad for the upcoming season.

Grey’s contract signing takes Hartlepool’s squad size up to 17 contracted players following the arrival of Tom Crawford from Notts County which has also been announced on Monday evening.

With Pools youth set-up being cut despite Grey still having a year left on his scholarship, there was some uncertainty over the teenager’s future at Victoria Park amid interest from a host of other clubs.

While other scholars have since moved elsewhere, Grey is the only player from last season’s youth team to be handed a professional deal as he looks to be given the opportunity to impress Challinor in pre-season.

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