Goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell and defender Jake Lawlor have left Hartlepool United.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has exited Pools following a breakdown in contractual talks. He has made eight appearances for the club since signing in the summer from Championship side Derby County and has kept two clean sheets.

Mitchell was a regular for Northampton last season featuring 42 times across the campaign as they were relegated from League One. However, he has found game time hard to come by at the Suit Direct Stadium with Ben Killip keeping hold of the number one shirt this season.

Pools have tabled fresh term for Mitchell but he appears to have rejected the offer as the club switch their attentions to signing a shotstopper before the end of the January transfer window.

When manager Graeme Lee was asked about Mitchell’s future, he replied: “I don’t think Jonathan will be coming back.

“We spoke to him about offering him something but obviously it didn’t suit him. We are speaking to other keepers.”

The departure of Mitchell and Jake Lawlor comes swiftly after Matty Daly was recalled by Huddersfield Town before joining Bradford City on loan along with Mike Fondop’s exit after he was released by the club.

Meanwhile, defender Lawlor has had his contract mutually terminated by the club. 

He joined in the summer where he made just two appearances and went on to have loan spells with Bromley and Darlington.