Coventry goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos and Sunderland's Hartlepool-born defender Peter Hartley are widely thought to be the two, while director of sport Chris Turner has a firm interest in Stockport County left-back Michael Rose.

Stockport are in administration, so Pools would not need to pay a fortune for the 26-year-old, who could well follow former team-mate Leon McSweeney to Victoria Park.

Swindon are also believed to be tracking the former Manchester United trainee, though they have had talks with Matty Robson, who last week rejected new terms at Hartlepool.

Pools' chief scout, Tommy Miller snr, has resigned after 10 years at Pools. Turner said: "Tommy was very hard working and I am very surprised he has decided to leave. I had a very good working relationship with him and his decision has come out of the blue."

Meanwhile, ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Gary Liddle, 22, today revealed he never even contemplated leaving Hartlepool after agreeing a new contract at Victoria Park.

Liddle said: "I've been here three years now and the place feels like home.

"Chris said I am going to be classed as a central midfielder, which is what I prefer"

Pools now only have out-of-contract Michael Nelson's future undecided.