SUNDERLAND’S young striker Mikael Mandron has joined Hartlepool United for the rest of the year.

Mandron, 21, played in the Black Cats' Under-21s’ International Cup win over Athletic Blibao in midweek when Pools’ chief scout Ian Moore ran the rule over him.

The French talent, who has previously had loan spells with Shrewsbury and Fleetwood, has been targeted by Hartlepool before during John Hughes and Colin Cooper’s time in charge.

But Victoria Park chief Ronnie Moore, whose side face Leyton Orient on Sunday on Sky Sports, has landed his man on loan until January 2.

Moore told the club’s website: “He’s a powerful lad and gives us another option up there. We’re pleased that Sunderland have allowed him to come here and hopefully the move can be beneficial to the player and both clubs.”