SUNDERLAND youngster Josh Hawkes has joined Tranmere Rovers in a deadline-day move that was only formally ratified by the EFL today.

Hawkes has moved to Prenton Park on a season-long loan, with the FA and EFL finally approving the deal more than 24 hours after the transfer window closed.

The 22-year-old, who joined Sunderland from Hartlepool United, scored 13 goals and claimed three assists during last season’s development-team campaign in Premier League 2.

He scored his first senior Sunderland goal in last month’s Carabao Cup win at Port Vale, but will spend the remainder of the campaign playing for Tranmere in League Two.

“This is a great opportunity for Josh in League Two and it demonstrates his progress to date,” said Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. “This is the natural next step for him after Under-23 football and we will monitor his development very closely.”

Hawkes’ departure reflects Lee Johnson’s contentment with the attacking resources at his disposal following the end of the transfer window.

Ross Stewart is established as Sunderland’s number one striker, with Nathan Broadhead and Aiden O’Brien available to provide competition in the central-attacking role. Leon Dajaku, who joined on loan from Union Berlin on deadline day, can play anywhere across the front three.

Hawkes will hope to use the next nine months to advance his development and ensure he is competing for a place in Sunderland’s first-team squad next summer.

“I'm buzzing,” said Hawkes. “It was late in the day, I'm just happy it all went through in time to be a Tranmere player.

“I had a really good season last year, I was hoping for more first-team opportunities last year and it didn't quite come. I started pre-season with Sunderland, and they felt the best thing for me was to come out and get some games. I don’t think you can beat playing in a first-team environment at a club like this which is so big.

“I came through at Hartlepool, I played a little bit in League Two, unfortunately, we dropped down to the Conference at the time, but I've had experience of being in a first team before and hopefully I can push on here."