HARTLEPOOL United have completed the signing of Southport striker Marcus Carver who becomes their first addition of the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old has completed a permanent move to the Suit Direct Stadium after the two clubs reached an agreement last week.

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

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

Prior to his move to Southport 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.

It’s also understood by the Northern Echo that Pools are lining up a loan deal for a defender from the higher divisions which is expected to be completed in the coming days.