Young striker Connor Simpson has joined Preston North End from Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.

The 17-year-old has agreed a two and a half year professional deal with the Lilywhites until at least the summer of 2020.

The Teeside-born centre forward was part of Pools’ Academy set up, breaking into the first team this season, making nine appearances for former North End loanee Craig Harrison’s side.

The 6’5’’ attacker has been given the No.27 shirt and manager Alex Neil is looking forward to seeing him develop. He said: “He's certainly one for the future, I think he's got outstanding qualities with his size and his stature and the fact that he's played men's football at such a young age.

"I don't think there's too many of those types about and I think the last time we went and got somebody in a similar situation it was probably Jordan Hugill when we took him from Port Vale and look what happened there.

"So all the signs are good, he's one we will take a bit of time with and develop but I think all the indicators are that there is certainly something to work with and we are hoping to try and make him better."

Connor was delighted to sign his first professional deal and looking forward to the challenge of developing into a Championship player: “It’s a very good club to come to, it has a lot of history behind it and I am really excited to get started.

"The training is going to be a lot more intense, everything is going to be a lot tougher, but I am ready for the challenge."