HARTLEPOOL United are still waiting to discover if Kevin Betsy is returning to Victoria Park - but no-one is holding their breath.

Port Vale yesterday dropped out of the running to sign the former Barnsley midfielder, leaving Pool and Oldham in a straight battle for his signature.

But Oldham appear to be favourites, with Pool becoming increasingly frustrated with Betsy's stalling tactics.

Pool had all but agreed personal terms for a permanent transfer, at the upper end of Pool's pay structure, once his loan period expired.

But, with Pool facing the Tykes last weekend, there was no way they would allow a permanent deal or loan extension ahead of the game - and that left other clubs free to make their move.

Oldham boss Brian Talbot approached Betsy at the end of last week and held talks on Monday.

If he signs for The Latics, then his first game will be against Pool, as Neale Cooper's side travel to Boundary Park on Saturday.

Cooper has other targets in mind and is already turning his attentions to trying to secure their services, with the Pool boss short on bodies after injuries hit his squad.

Defender Hugh Robertson needs another scan to try and determine the extent of a foot injury.

But skipper Micky Barron will make his comeback in this afternoon's reserve game with Barnsley at Billingham Town's Bedford Terrace and Mark Tinkler could be back in training tomorrow after resting an Achilles problem.

Barron has undergone a double hernia operation and his last appearance was the play-off defeat at Bristol City last season.

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