Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill faces a decision over young striker Ryan Noble.

Despite an excellent record in the reserves, Noble was unable to force his way into O'Neill's plans last season and left for a short loan at Hartlepool at the end of the season.

Pool have registered their interest in re-signing him but there has been interest from the Championship, the Scottish Premier League and even one of Sunderland's top-flight rivals in signing the England Under-19 forward, so he is not short on options.

The Journal says Noble's first choice is to stay at the Stadium of Light and have one last crack at making it at his boyhood club.