CRAIG HARRISON admits he will do all he can to keep Padraig Amond at Hartlepool United.

The striker, last season’s top scorer, wants away from Victoria Park and is understood to have handed in a transfer request.

He doesn’t want to play in the National League, amid interest from a number of clubs. However, he is under contract for a further year with Pools.

Another player set to leave Pools is Brad Walker, with Crewe set to confirm his capture with the 21-year-old out of contract.

Unlike Walker, Amond was with his team-mates for their second day of pre-season training yesterday.

And Harrison revealed: "I've had a good four to five conversations with Podge and twice face to face.

"I'm going to do everything to keep him, the club too.

"If we get an offer then that's something we'll have to look at, but is the offer good enough to replace him with the same quality?

"It's common sense, that if we haven't got a good enough replacement then we don't let the player go.

"That's the way it is and that won't change, Podge has a year left on his contract. I'll be doing everything as a manager to keep hold of Podge."

Blackpool have expressed an interest, while Tranmere, one of Pools’ rivals in the National League next season, are said to be keen.

However, their chances appear remote with Amond wanting to remain in the Football League – which would also rule out a further drop down the leagues and a move to Salford City, who are believed to be offering big wages to try and climb the football ladder.

Amond has already proved himself in the National League, bagging 38 goals for Grimsby before moving to Pools 12 months ago when he was out of contract.

Of Tranmere making a move, Harrison said: "We're in control, he has a year left on his contract.

"I've had good conversations with him and I don't want to speak for the lad.

"But why wouldn't you want the chance of getting Hartlepool back in the Football League than Tranmere? That would be my thoughts."

Pools will be entitled to compensation for Walker. He was offered a new deal, but unlike Rhys Oates and Carl Magnay, has stalled on the offer.

Harrison is keen to keep him at Pools, but, unlike with Amond, the decision is down to the player.

“We are on-going with Brad, where he is at, where we want him to be,’’ said Harrison. “There’s no bones about it, I want him here and be done as soon as possible and get him in – it’s a positive that he’s a local lad who has played a lot of games for this football club.

“He’s a lot of experience for such a young lad.’’