Newcastle rival Liverpool in race for ‘next Andy Carroll’

Newcastle are leading Liverpool in the chase for Hartlepool United youngster Connor Simpson – who is being described as the ‘new Andy Carroll’, TEAMtalk understands.

The 17-year-old, who was handed his first-team debut in League Two last season as Hartlepool suffered relegation to the National League, is yet to sign a professional deal at the Victoria Ground.

Now Pools are set to lose their prized asset, photoed above on Hartlepool United’s official website, and TEAMtalk understands up to a dozen Premier League clubs are actively chasing the 6ft 5in prospect.

Simpson is set to be given the green light to train with a couple of sides, and while Liverpool hope they can have first call on taking a close look at him, their ban from signing academy players means the player could instead let in Newcastle, who are also keen.