HARTLEPOOL UNITED have made Middlesbrough-born Nathan Thomas their first signing of the January transfer window.

Skilful winger Thomas has moved from Mansfield for an undisclosed fee and has signed an 18-month contract at Victoria Park.

Moore spotted the 21-year-old in November when the Teessider turned on the style to help the Stags claim a 3-1 win over Pools at Field Mill.

Pools, who have dropped closer to the League Two relegation zone in recent weeks, are desperate for a lift and Moore will hope Thomas provides that.

Thomas is a former Sunderland academy player who left in 2013 to join Plymouth. He has since had spells with Motherwell and Mansfield, who have agreed to allow him to move to Victoria Park.

He can play down both flanks and is capable of beating his marker and sending in decent crosses for the forwards.