Middlesbrough's Grounds Interested In Pools Move

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Grounds says a move to Hartlepool would interest him, after Pools boss Neale Cooper declared an interest in the player.

Grounds and fellow Middlesbrough youngster Jonathan Franks have been on loan at Hartlepool's League One rivals Yeovil Town since February, and Cooper said after the two sides met last month that both players were on his summer wishlist.

''I like the lad Jonathan Franks, who couldn't get on the bench. I also thought Jonathan Grounds did well, he was comfortable, strong and athletic. So I'll keep looking because it's an important time coming up and there's areas we have to strengthen once the season ends.''

Now, with the pair considering their long term futures, Grounds has responded to Cooper's comments, saying a move to Victoria Park would interest the player, given his family is already settled in the North East.

''I haven't really sat down with my partner to try to decide what the future is going to hold. It's a case of trying to get these six games in and see where it takes me.

''With Middlesbrough and Hartlepool being really close, the manager has probably seen us play before in reserve games and first team games.

''So it's always good to stay in managers minds, and come out of a game where we've lost, but with a positive review from an opposition manager.''

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.