League One and Two news: Sunderland eye Hartlepool youngster… Barnsley could face battle to keep defender

The 20-year-old has been in dazzling form this season and TeamTalk report the North East duo are keeping a watchful eye on Pools prospect. 

Middlesbrough, Huddersfield, Burnley and Sheffield United are among the other sides linked with a swoop for Hawkes.

Similar stories emerged this time last year, where reports suggests Sunderland and the Magpies have been monitoring his progress for a long time.

Meanwhile, Barnsley could face a battle to keep hold of Liam Lindsay in the summer, according to The Sun.

The defender has featured for the Tykes in Saturday’s goalless draw with Pompey at Fratton Park. 

Daniel Stendel’s men are on track to achieve promotion to the Championship, which would see the 23-year-old valued at around £2.5million.

Aston Villa have been credited with initial interest in the ex-Partick Thistle man, who made 42 second-tier outings last term. 

In League Two, Crawley Town defender Lewis Young has heaped praise on Manchester United loanee Matty Willock.

The 22-year-old forward made his first Crawley start this weekend after completing his loan move last month, and Young feels he will only improve Reds' quality going forward.

He told the Crawley Observer: ‘Matty was at the Arsenal academy with my youngest brother (Kyle Young) so he's played with three of us now (played with Ashley Young at Old Trafford). 

‘I thought he was brilliant today. He was unfortunate that he started to tire before the end and that's why he was taken off. He really showed his quality. 

‘If he can keep doing that over the next 11 games, we've got a fantastic player on our hands.’