JAKE CASSIDY is set to exit Hartlepool United on a permanent basis.

The striker returned to Pools from a four-month loan spell at Maidstone at the turn of the year, and now wants to leave the club.

Maidstone have been keen on taking him back, but financial concerns mean they are stalling on a move after talking with the striker earlier this week.

And Pools boss Craig Hignett revealed this morning that the Stones are one of a number of clubs in for the striker.

“Jake spoke to Maidstone and indicated to them he wanted to go back there so we didn’t stand in his way,’’ he said.

“Maidstone have now decided they can’t fully afford him so they are wiping their feet with it a bit so we have to wait and see.

“Hopefully something will get done this week, but there’s no just Maidstone in for him, there’s other clubs as well.

“Something will happen with him I would imagine.’’

While the transfer deadline day doesn’t really affect Pools as the National League doesn’t operate within the boundaries of transfers adhered to by the Premier and Football Leagues, Hignett is still hoping to conclude some business – if not today then next week.

“We might have one out, maybe two,’’ he said. “But we have to get the right ones in, they won’t just come for the sake of it. We have four loans, so we can only get one more in and if we can do something permanent then great.

“We have players we want, irons in the fine - we just wait for one of them to get hot.’’