GARY LIDDLE, the former Hartlepool United, midfielder looks set to miss out on a return to his former club.

Available for transfer from Chesterfield, Liddle has attracted strong interest from Pools, but Carlisle are strong favourites to sign him.

Pools’ boss Craig Hignett wanted him when he left Bradford in the August transfer window, but he moved to League One and linked up with Chesterfield and Danny Wilson, his former boss at Pools.

Financial problems mean the Spireites have to offload players and, while Liddle has been skipper of the side, they are willing to allow him to move on.

He played in their defeat at Bradford on Saturday. Wilson was sacked after the defeat, with former Pools favourite Ritchie Humphreys in caretaker charge.

Before being sacked Wilson said: “We’ve had an enquiry for him but after the weekend we’ll decide what we will do,” he said. “Very reluctant for Gary to go but if means we have to replace him, we’ll replace him. “We’ve not made any decision and we won’t until after the weekend.’’

However, Carlisle were also keen in the summer and boss Keith Curle has made a move. Pools have also spoken to Liddle and his representatives.

Hignett hinted after Saturday’s home defeat to Grimsby that if anyone arrives on a permanent basis it would only be if a player is transferred.

So far Pools have sold one in January. Toto Nsiala signed for Shrewsbury last week after an indifferent stint at Pools and was subsequently sent-off on his debut while conceding a penalty. He was also sent off twice for Pools this season.

Of January transfer plans, Hignett said: “I think we will be busy. Until things happen we can't plan.

"There are players we want to bring to the football club but we can't until things happen.

"We have been talking to players. But at the minute there is no one coming in who is over the line.

"As yet, there are plenty of talk and rumours but we are yet to receive any offers for our players.

But we will have to wait and see what happens.

""That doesn't say we won't see any.’’