Manchester City have given Hartlepool United starlet Jack Blackford the chance to trial with them.

The 17-year-old winger has impressed City scouts with his performances for Hartlepool's youth sides and will now train with the Premier League giants who will cast a closer eye over his abilities.

According to the Daily Mail, Blackford is also on the radar of Aston Villa but City have moved into pole position to sign the promising youngster who has been with the Pools since he was nine.