LOUIS Laing’s time at Hartlepool United appears to be coming to an end, with the club in talks to pay up the remainder of his contract.

The centre-half is not part of Matthew Bates’ plans and was left out of a reserve / youth squad which played a friendly at Shildon on Tuesday night.

His only involvement this season was 34 minutes as a substitute in the home defeat to Ebbsfleet in August.

“Louis wasn’t involved at Shildon, but it’s down to selection and he’s not signing for anyone as far as I’m aware. He’s not in my plans at the moment,’’ admitted Bates.

“We went with players who we feel will be ready for the first team in the coming weeks, so that’s the reason why he wasn’t involved.’’

Laing moved to Pools last summer when he was available after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

But his time at Pools has been riddled with defensive errors. The former Sunderland prospect has made 36 starts for the club and was one of a number of players transfer-listed at the end of last season.

Bates added: “Louis has been involved in conversations with the club, but that’s as far as I’m prepared to go really. It’s been on-going for a few weeks now. Louis is not part of my plans, he understands that and I’m not speaking out of turn there.

“I like the lad, I just think he has lost his way a bit here and he could have a future in the game elsewhere. Let’s see what the next week brings and hopefully things get sorted for his sake.’’

Bates is hoping to add to his squad, with the manager seeking an extra striker.

He added: “We are looking for more, we have had discussions within the club, but that happens all the time – managers always want to improve their squad and never stand still.

“Every day we talk, looking at players and talking about players. We have had discussions and nothing has really popped up yet.’’