But any chance of the Aussie remaining at Victoria Park is thought to depend on whether Pools are prepared to offer Porter a three-year contract.

It is understood that Porter is still undecided on whether his future lies in the North East or his native Australia.

New Zealand-based Wellington Phoenix, who play in the Australian A League, are believed to have offered Porter a three-year deal if he relocates.

But Porter would commit to Pools if he is offered three more years.

That seems unlikely given Porter's injury record over the last three years, where the fans' favourite has spent several lengthy periods on the sidelines with knee injuries.

A number of first-team players are out of contract, including Robbie Elliott, Willie Boland and Matty Robson.

* Nottingham Forest striker Grant Holt, 27, has been linked with a summer move to Pools, who have also been credited with an interest in freed Huddersfield midfielder Chris Brandon, though he is believed to favour a move to Bradford.

* Pools' reserves were beaten 3-1 by impressive Nottingham Forest in their Pontin's Holiday League play-off semi-final at Billingham Town yesterday.

Ex-Sunderland defender Ben Clark bagged Pools' goal to cut the deficit to 2-1, but efforts from Matt Thornhill, Mark Byrne and Felix Bastians eased Forest home. Pools coach Ian Butterworth said: "Overall they were better on the day and we couldn't find that bit of quality to upset them."

Butterworth hailed Clark, who agreed to play after Godwin Antwi's loan ended and Craig Gott opted to go to Darlington for a trial. He said: "Special praise to Ben. He didn't want to let anyone down and it speaks volumes for his character.

"He finished it off with a goal, so what more can you ask?"