SOUTHPORT striker Marcus Carver is set to become Hartlepool United’s first signing of the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old was with the club on Friday finalising the terms of his move. Following the two clubs reaching an agreement, he will now seal a permanent move to the Suit Direct Stadium.

Reports suggest Carver has been attracting interest from a number of Football League clubs but Pools have won the race for his signature.

Carver has scored 12 goals in 17 appearances for Southport this season putting him on the National League North goalscoring charts.

Prior to his move to the club in the summer, Carver spent five years with Chorley and featured against Pools in a goalless draw in the National League back in 2019. He also started in Chorley’s National League North play-off final win over Spennymoor Town.

He’s also had loan spells with Barrow and Halifax Town after coming through the youth ranks at Accrington Stanley.

The addition of Carver will add to Pools attacking options following the departures of Tyler Burey and Will Goodwin who both returned to their parent clubs following the expiration of their loan deals.