Football paedo Adam Johnson hopes to join Hartlepool United

FOOTBALL paedo Adam Johnson hopes to join Hartlepool United after his release from jail.

He could resume his playing career in the fifth tier of English football.

The ex-Man City and Sunderland player is understood to have turned down an offer to play in China.

Johnson, 31, has been linked with Hartlepool — whose president is Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling.

The footballer has been pals with club manager Matthew Bates for years.

An insider said: “Adam has told people that Hartlepool is a likely destination.”

The club play in the National League after relegation from the Football League last year.

Ex-England winger Johnson was jailed for six years for child sex offences in 2016.

He assaulted a fan, 15, in County Durham.

He is keen to build bridges with ex-partner Stacey Flounders, 27, and daughter Ayla, two.

He is reportedly on a segregated wing in HMP Moorland, South Yorks.

His earliest release will be in March.

Johnson’s dad Dave told The Sun on Sunday that he was not aware of any clubs wishing to sign him.

Hartlepool United said: “It’s news to us and we are not aware of any conversations that have been had.”