THE FUTURE of Hartlepool United could be secured as early next week.

The Northern Echo understands a well-respected local businessman has come forward in the last 24 hours with a secure plan to save the troubled club.

Pools are up for sale with debts of £1.8m to owners Sage Investments.

The North-East entrepreneur is keen to see the club safe and has already engaged in positive talks with Hartlepool Borough Council, who have helped facilitate the proposed deal.

Pools are at home to Wrexham tomorrow, with Victoria Park sold out. Almost £60,000 has been raised in an online fundraising campaign, which will ensure staff wages can be paid next week.

But hopes are now high that the club will be saved from the threat of administration and a ten points deduction in the National League.

The last time Pools were in a financial mess, back in 1994, the club was saved by local businessman Harold Hornsey and this situation appears to be mirroring that.

Reports emerged from Sweden overnight of interest from Daniel Kindberg, chairman of Östersunds planning on forming a consortium to make an offer, but that now appears a non-starter.