Roker Roundup: Sunderland transfer ‘target’ attracts Premier League & Championship interest

Pools player linked

Sunderland have been regularly linked with Hartlepool midfielder Josh Hawkes over the last year, with the Hartlepool Mail claiming last year that the club were keen to see the player take part in a behind-closed-doors trial game before making a move.

The club still seem keen on the 20-year-old, along with Newcastle United and Middlesbrough. However, according to TeamTalk’s Graeme Bailey, there is a lot more interest in Hawkes than last year.

Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United, Hull City and League One rivals Barnsley are now all reportedly tracking the player.

Loan roundup

Elliot Embleton started for Grimsby Town in their 1-1 draw away to Swindon Town in League Two.

The midfielder picked up a knock in the first half but was able to continue and had a shot tipped around the post shortly afterwards. Swindon took the lead in the second half thanks to Theo Robinson but Embleton sent a ball into the box which was headed home by Luke Hendrie.

Hartlepool United were two-nil down at home to Bromley at half-time in the National League, which prompted Luke Molyneux to come on after the interval. He almost set up a goal with just under five minutes remaining but his cross evaded Nicke Kabamba.

Sunderland academy product Liam Noble did score a consolation for Pools late on but Bromley held on for a win.

Ethan Robson came on as a substitute with just under 30 minutes remaining as Dundee lost 4-2 to Hibernian. Robson was booked for a foul on Stevie Mallan late on in a game Hibs won comfortably.

Connor Shields started and played just over an hour in Alloa Athletic’s 2-1 away win at Queen of the South, Alloa’s Andy Graham gave the visitors the lead but for Kyle Jacobs to equalise for the home side, Shields’ team went home with the points thought thanks to an injury time winner by Jordan Kirkpatrick.

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