HARTLEPOOL United are continuing to make inroads in the transfer market following the signing of Middlesbrough youngster Issac Fletcher yesterday.

The 18-year-old completed a loan move until the end of the season and the club are hopeful he will be followed through the door by at least three more news players with one or two signing on the dotted line before the weekend’s trip to Exeter City.

Manager Graeme Lee confirmed he is still in the market for a goalkeeper following the departure of Jonathan Mitchell this month. Bradford City goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell is a player Pools are reportedly keeping tabs on but the understanding is that a deal is far from done.

Lee said: “There is a few still on the radar and they are getting closer. Getting them through the door is the main part but we have got one, two, possibly three we are speaking to, to try and bring in.

“We are hopeful. Yesterday, the phone was busy. Very busy. It’s exciting. You wake up this morning, you check your phone and you are like ‘I want that call again’.

“We’re getting there so it is exciting. As the day progresses, we’ll have some more info.”

Speaking about the possibility of a goalkeeper coming into the club, the boss added: “We’re down the line with it. We’ve got a couple of options regarding a goalkeeper. There’s also outfield players as well we’re still speaking to. We’re very close on one or two.

"Bradford have brought a keeper in which frees up one of their senior keepers. We’ve spoken regarding that but we’re not much further forward than that at the moment but it’s something we have looked at.

"It’s still a decision as to which way we should go (in terms of a loan or a permanent deal). We have got three or four which we are speaking to and again it’s just about making the right decision that will improve us."

Pools are set for a busy end to the transfer window with four days left before the deadline next Monday. In between then, they make the long trip down south to Exeter City. Any new players will have to be registered before 12pm on Friday for them to be available for the game at St James' Park. 

While it doesn’t the club staff any favours in terms of bringing players, it won’t stop them from making additions.

Asked whether Lee would have preferred the game to be at home, he responded: “Yeah that would have been a lot easier. I’m sure we can pick people up on route.

“I’m on the phone continuously at the moment so it’s good. I don’t think my wife is too pleased. Lack of conversation because I’m continuously on the phone but that’s what we want. That’s what we are trying to achieve. Four days left but we are getting there.”