HARTLEPOOL United approached Barrow for permission to speak to manager Paul Cox, but the club has now withdrawn its interest.

Pools have been without a boss since Dave Jones was sacked on April 23.

Matthew Bates took charge for two games as Pools were relegated to the National League and the club turned to Cox, who has plenty of experience in the National League to revive their flagging fortunes.

But after initial talks, Pools have withdrawn their interest. 

It is understood that Pools were keen on making progress with the proposed deal and install Cox - but a hefty compensation package would have to be agreed with Cox under contract at Barrow until 2019.

He got Mansfield promoted back into the Football League in 2013 and last season led Barrow to seventh spot.

Barrow's American-based owner Paul Casson earlier said: "We're always happy for Paul to speak to anybody – I find it very flattering that people want to talk to our manager.

“If anybody requests permission to speak to anybody, we will always give it. This is not North Korea.

"We sincerely hope that Paul decides to continue as manager of Barrow AFC.”

Pools' search for a new manager is being conducted by Paul Watson, the club's head of recruitment, along with chief executive Pam Duxbury.