Striker combines top flight football with international espionage for fans of Alex Rider and Young Bond.

Meet Jake Bastin – talented teenage footballer, son of England’s top coach and last line of defence against international terrorism – he is Striker! Jake can’t believe he’s been scouted for Olympic Advantage. It’s a dream come true to train with the top teenage athletes from around the world . . . these are the kids that will go on to win gold medals! His dad has come along but promises to stay behind the scenes; this is Jake’s moment. But the sunny Florida camp is hiding a nasty secret. A German weight-lifter is crushed by a barbell, painkillers are being issued illegally and many of the athletes are getting seriously aggressive. Jake knows something is up, and he’s in the perfect position to report back to MI6. It’s his first mission on his own. Popov will be watching . . .

Nick Hale’s spy stories rival Anthony Horowitz for pace, tension and adrenalin-fuelled action. For parents of sports-mad reluctant readers, Striker promises football stories for boys with the cool-factor of a 007 movie.