Hartlepool United set to sign Grimsby hotshot Padraig Amond

Toto Nsiala joined Pools from Grimsby on Thursday. Photograph by FRANK REID

Hartlepool United are set to raid Grimsby Town for the second time in five days after being linked with a move for Padraig Amond.

Speculation is that the free-scoring striker is expected to sign a two-year contract at Pools after rejecting a new deal at the promoted Mariners.

The 28-year-old would be the second signing from Blundell Park after boss Craig Hignett captured highly-rated defender Toto Nsiala on a free transfer on Thursday.

Amond fired Grimsby to promotion in his first season at the club, bagging 30 goals in 40 games to take the club to Wembley twice, in the National League play-off final and in the FA trophy.

Padraig Amond (right) celebrates a goal for Accrington

The Irishman had spent two seasons at Morecambe where he averaged a goal every four games but his career took off spectacularly with the Mariners to lead them back to the Football League.

Amond has always known where the net is, scoring goals for Shamrock Rovers, Kildare and Sligo Rovers before moving to England with Accrington and Morecambe.

SportMail reported on Saturday how Hignett as looking to add a new striker and defender to his squad.