Orient were one of the sides vying with Pools for the signature of Kyle, who made his debut in Friday's 3-3 draw with Swindon and is expected to retain his place at Northampton Town tomorrow night.

Last week, Pools boss Danny Wilson completed the signing of the 27-year-old on a one-month loan deal with Kyle hoping to extend his temporary stay until the transfer window opens in January.

Wilson's capture of Kyle brought to an end a lengthy pursuit of the powerful striker, who has fallen well down the pecking order at Coventry City.

Pools originally made an inquiry for Kyle around a month ago, as did League One rivals Orient, who remain desperate to bolster their forward line.

Both sides were put off by Kyle's wages at the Ricoh Arena and it seemed as if the former Scottish international's misery in the Midlands would continue.

But Pools managed to put together a deal with Kyle last week, with Coventry paying a percentage of his wages.

That surprised Orient boss Ling, who is operating on a similar budget to Wilson.

Ling said: "It is frustrating when you look at the Kevin Kyle situation because we made a solid inquiry but couldn't match his money, yet the next minute you see him at Hartlepool."

Orient are likely to be one of the clubs monitoring Kyle's situation come January, with the forward out of contract at Coventry at the end of the season.

Kyle himself will be hoping for a move after claiming he has been frozen out at Coventry because the Sky Blues will have to pay his former club Sunderland an extra £100,000 if he plays three more games.

City boss Chris Coleman and chairman Ray Ranson have both denied that is the case but are certainly looking to offload the striker.