Sunderland have announced the signing of former Hartlepool United attacking midfielder Josh Hawkes for the club's development squad.
The 21-year-old has agreed a two-year deal on Wearside following the expiration of his deal at Victoria Park, having made 63 appearances at the club after his senior debut in 2017.
Leeds United and Newcastle United were among the clubs credited with an interest in Hawkes in recent weeks, but the midfielder insists he is "over the moon" to have agreed a deal at Sunderland.
Hawkes told the club's wesbite: “It’s been in the pipeline for a while now, so to get it finally sorted is great. I can’t wait to get started.”
Hawkes becomes the Black Cats' seventh signing for their under-23 side this window.
Former Wrexham defender Bobby Beaumont, ex-West Brom midfielder Sam Wilding, winger Vinnie Steels, South Shields-born striker Will Harris and Stephen Wearne have all bolstered Sunderland's development ranks .
Head coach Elliott Dickman added: “We’re really pleased with this signing. He has lots of National League experience with Hartlepool and that will really benefit him and the younger lads in the group.
"Our job is to improve him further and hopefully he will progress with us.”
