Here's what Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor said about Sunderland linked former Newcastle United defender Jamie Sterry

The former Newcastle United defender joined Pools in December following a brief stint at South Shields and went on to help the side return to the Football League after four years away.

Sterry has been offered terms of re-engagement for the upcoming League Two campaign following the expiration of his short-term contract at Victoria Park.

But with several clubs including Sunderland reportedly keen on the 25-year-old right-back, Pools could struggle to keep hold of him. Oldham, Walsall and Bolton Wanderers are also keeping an eye on the defender according to NE Sports News.

The Echo understands that National League side Notts County have also offered Sterry a lucrative deal including accommodation to spend another season in the fifth tier.

Sterry and his partner Emily have recently had their first child, Ronnie, together. All three were in attendance for Hartlepool’s play-off victory over Torquay United at Ashton Gate.

And Pools boss Dave Challinor admits he’s desperate for the defender to sign a new deal at The Vic.

"Jamie we’re desperate to keep but it depends where he’s at,” he told The Echo. “He’s obviously happy to be playing and his football but we don’t know what other offers he will have or what decisions he’ll have to make that best suit him and his family.

"First and foremost, they need to fit in with what we’re doing and where we’re at but there’s a lot of players in that boat as well.”

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