HARTLEPOOL are edging closer to agreeing a new loan deal for striker Kevin Kyle, despite continued wrangling over the players’ wages.

Director of sport Chris Turner is in discussion with Coventry City chairman Ray Ranson but Pools’ unwillingness to increase their reported 50 per cent contribution towards Kyle’s £6,000-a-week wages remains a stumbling block.

Ranson continues to hold out for an improved deal but Turner is upbeat that an agreement can be reached.

“Kevin was obviously a great asset during the month he spent at the club and we are keen to keep him here if possible.

“Negotiations will be ongoing for the next ten days to get him back for the MK Dons game (on November 15) and keep him here for another month,” said Turner.

“It looks very doubtful he will be playing in the FA Cup on Saturday for the obvious reason that he will be cuptied.

But we have been speaking to Coventry and remain confident that we can retain him.”

Kyle’s month with Pools ended after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient but the player, and manager Danny Wilson, are keen to extend his spell at the Vic.

Kyle’s seven games with the club helped Pools to an impressive 13-point haul, with the former Sunderland targetman scoring three goals. And Sky Blues’ manager Chris Coleman is content to see Kyle kick-start his career away from the Ricoh Arena.

He said: “The chairman is talking to Hartlepool to see if we can sort something out.

Kevin wants to stay there and there is no point in him coming back because he is not going to play.

“So him being there suits everyone and we are hoping that something will be sorted out in the next few days.”