HARTLEPOOL UNITED have missed out on signing experienced midfielder Neal Bishop.

The former Scunthorpe and Notts County man has signed for League Two club Mansfield Town instead.

Pools had shown an interest with manager Matthew Bates and director of football Craig Hignett working behind-the-scenes to strengthen the ranks during a first summer working together at Victoria Park.

But Bishop, 36, has opted to become the Stags’ second summer signing after appearing 37 times for Scunthorpe last season in League One.

The prospect of staying in the Football league rather than dropping into the National League clearly proved too strong for Bishop, who started in Middlesbrough’s youth system.

Bishop said: “The manager had a good conversation with me and made me feel very wanted. He talked about his plans from how he wants to play and how he wants the squad to kick-on following last season.”

Hartlepool are also known to be very interested in signing former Middlesbrough defender Andrew Davies and that should get tied up.

It has also been claimed Bates is looking to land Gateshead left-back Scott Barrow. The defender’s contract is up this summer and there is known to be plenty of interest from the National and Football League.

Hartlepool have signed Myles Anderson so far to boost defensive options but there is still a desire to add more centre-backs. Scott Harrison and Louis Laing are free to leave despite having a year on their deals remaining.