HARTLEPOOL United have outlined plans for the January transfer window with the addition of a striker being an area of focus for the new manager.

The plans were laid bare after the goalless draw with Scunthorpe United at the weekend as a point meant Pools stayed in 13th place in the League Two table.

Mark Cullen and Luke Molyneux have been a settled pairing in the forward areas in recent months after plenty of rotation in the early parts of the season. It’s produced an uptake in goals recently. Cullen is the club’s top scorer this season with six goals to his name while Molyneux has produced his best return with four goals.

Will Goodwin has scored two, Olufela Olomola has just the one goal while Mike Fondop is yet to open his account.

However, manager Graeme Lee is looking for more threat in the final third.

Lee told BBC Radio Tees Sport: “We want to improve in the final third. We’ve got some lads in the squad who haven’t had a chance yet since I’ve come in but you look at it and if you can improve in that area, then I will.

“I look at the last few teams we’ve played and they all have that focal target man, that main man, who you can work off but if we do look, then they have to be better than what we’ve got.

“It’s a tough challenge but we’re already looking. We’re trying to improve. If we can then brilliant.

“I’ve been assessing the squad. I’ve been impressed with the squad with what they are doing but we also want to improve.

“We want to improve the team as much as we can. If that means we need to bring bodies in, then we will.”

Pools brought in twelve new signings in the summer as former manager Dave Challinor went through a rebuild following promotion from the National League.

The club may well be boosted financially following recent success in the cup with prize funds totalling around £116,000. The extra finances may well be put to good use next month when the January transfer window opens. Pools can add to those funds with games to play in the Papa John’s Trophy and the FA Cup next month.

Former Middlesbrough Under 23’s manager Lee has got off to an unbeaten start as Pools manager following his appointment winning two and drawing one of his three games in the dugout.