DAVE CHALLINOR is hoping to add to his striking options in the transfer window. While Hartlepool United and other National League teams aren’t tied by the ruling this month and can sign players next month and beyond, the Pools boss wants more.

After selling Nicke Kabamba to Kilmarnock and losing Luke James to injury, the Pools boss has signed Aidan Keena from Hearts.

He was linked this week with Danny Johnson, the former Pools’ academy striker, who have been in Scotland with Dundee, but who has now joined Orient.

Challinor could have someone in for the weekend game at Barnet and he is set to confirm the extension of Gary Liddle’s loan after his month-long period ended after the win over Stockport at Victoria Park.

The Pools boss wants to make a permanent signing and said: “It’s not hidden, the fact that I’d like to try and bring another in in if we can.

“If that’s a forward we can bring in permanently then that works for us but if it’s not and it’s a loan then we have to look at where we are.

“You’re constantly looking at those, we’ve got four season long loans with Lidds, Shelts, Macca [Southam-Hales] and Timi [Odusina] who will hopefully continue to have a big impact. Then we need to be reactive in terms of who else we bring in.”

The Pools boss has gave goalkeeper Mitch Beeney a chance ahead of Ben Killip. Beeney has been offered a contract, but it is understood both parties are still some way off an agreement.

Challinor added: “He’s been made an offer but he’s got to look at his personal circumstances and his family being still down south/

“He needs to make decisions there but we’re pretty flexible in terms of where we’re at.

“Ben has had to be patient and Mitch is still a work in progress, I still think he can be fitter but a clean sheet will do him the world of good and I’m quite happy with where we’re at goalkeeper wise.’’

Challinor had hoped Dimi Konstantopoulos would join, but he has not been back to the club’s training ground since his unhappy outing in the FA Trophy at Harrogate in mid-December and the Pools boss now believes he is training with Spennymoor Town.