Championship rumour mill: Leeds United chase Hartlepool teenager

Has transfer silly season arrived already? Well, it appears so... we round up the latest transfer rumours from the Championship and beyond. Here's the latest from the tabloids and around the web:

Leeds United chase Hartlepool United teenager Josh Hawkes

A number of clubs are vying for the signature of 19-year-old Hartlepool midfielder Josh Hawkes, report the Sunderland Echo.

Sunderland, Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Leeds are all reportedly interested in signing the youngster who has burst into the National League outfits first team this season.

Hawkes has appeared seven times for Hartlepool and notched on his full debut for the club in a 2-1 win over Bromley - he plys his trade primarily as an attacking midfielder but can also be used in the No. 10 role.

Elsewhere from the Championship...

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy, who is leaving Portman Road at the end of the season, is interested in taking the vacant managerial role at West Brom, report Sky Sports.

West Ham are interested in signing Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. Hammers boss David Moyes watched the ex-England youth player in action against Leeds, report The Sun.

Fulham will try to ward off suitors for boss Slavisa Jokanovic by handing him a lucrative new deal, report the Daily Mirror.

Sunderland, Birmingham City and Hull City are battling it out for Doncaster Rovers star Niall Mason, report The Sun.

Aston Villa are among the clubs who will consider moving for Charlie Austin if Southampton are relegated from the Premier League, according to The Sun.

Elsewhere from the world of football...

Chelsea have stepped up their interest in making Massimiliano Allegri their next manager, report the Daily Mail.

Monaco midfielder Fabinho is keen on forcing through a summer move to Manchester United, report The Sun.

Chelsea's longest-serving player - goalkeeper Matej Delac - will leave the club for Danish side AC Horsens this summer after nine years in which he failed to make a first-team appearance, report the Daily Star.

Jose Mourinho wants Juan Mata out of Manchester United and Chelsea star Willian in to replace him, report The Sun.