Cooper linked with Sunderland striker

Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper has been linked with a move for Sunderland striker Ryan Noble.

Cooper confirmed his desire to add a natural goalscorer to his side after last week's defeat at Preston, but following Saturday's impressive 3-0 win over Notts County admitted he would be reluctant to change a winning line-up.

Cooper told the Hartlepool Mail: "Saturday was almost the perfect performance, but we're still looking to make ourselves stronger.

"But how can I change that team? It's a nice problem to have."

Noble, 20, recently cut short his season-long loan spell at Derby by mutual consent, but is hoping to find another club who will deploy him as an out-and-out striker.