THE possibility of Scandinavian investment in Hartlepool United has been raised, with the chairman of Swedish side Östersunds pondering a move.

Pools had strong Norwegian links under IOR’s ownership from 1997-2015.

And Daniel Kindberg, chairman of the club, which has former York defender Graham Potter as manager and who face Arsenal in the next round of the Europa League, is weighing up his next move.

The Northern Echo understands that the club, up for sale and in desperate need of new investment, is aware of interest from Sweden, but no official move has yet been made.

Kindberg, who claims he has previously been interested in investing in Newcastle United and who spent 15 years in the Swedish army serving in both Bosnia and the Congo, said: "Some people want me to buy a club - I will decide before January 24th.

He confirmed the club in question is Pools and added: “I do not know (if it will happen). I'm insufficiently aware of the matter, so I do not really know. In that case, you have to go into a due diligence process and in that case it's a pure investment for me, but football is about passion and heart.

Asked about Pools, he said: “I know they had a difficult economic development. I know it's a small town, it's a town in Sundsvall's size, maybe something smaller.

“They have very passionate fans, who seem to put up very much at their club. It is very interesting when there are such underlying factors. They were close enough to go to the Championship a few years ago (2004/2005). That's really what I know.’’

He added: "I can’t get actively involved in the club personally, and you really should do that if you want to do this kind of thing. I’m busy with my job, other projects and Östersunds FK. It’s fun that people contact me about things like this, but right now I have to be very passive in the project if I decide to invest.’’