CRISIS-CLUB Hartlepool United could be further depleted in the coming hours.

Ahead of tomorrow evening’s transfer deadline, Pools are ready to see some players depart to try and ease the financial burden.

Moves to Football League clubs may seem fanciful given the current plight of the team, but there has been interest in a number of players.

Lincoln City have looked at the possibility of making a move for Liam Donnelly, the club’s defender, while Portsmouth were claimed yesterday to have been at Pools’ defeat at Eastleigh on Saturday to cast an eye over midfielder Michael Woods.

Boss Craig Harrison has admitted: “Moving players on has not been thrown at my door yet, but it’s something I have to think about and expect it the future perhaps.

“It’s something realistically could be thrown in my direction and we deal with it as I see fit.’’’

Pools’ players and staff were paid their wages last week, but how they will raise the money for February’s outlay remains to be seen.

Tomi Ayeloye started last weekend, but he is set to move on. His short-term deal is up and Pools can’t renew it while the National League has placed them under a transfer embargo because the club cannot currently confirm it is able to see the season out.

Jonathan Franks has suffered the same fate. His six-month deal expired and Pools were unable to offer a new one. He rejected an offer from from York and is now on trial at St Johnstone.

There has been interest in Pools from Sweden. Daniel Kindberg, chairman of Osterstunds, has mooted the possibility of getting involved in the club as part of a consortium from Scandinavia.

An approach has been made to both Pools’ solicitors and directly to John Blackledge, the club’s former benefactor who has decided to withdraw his financial interest and committment.

However, nothing is imminent and talks have been at a tentative stage.