BEN Killip has become the latest to commit his future to Hartlepool United as the club continue talks with current out-of-contract first team players.

The 26-year-old will enter his fourth season at Pools after the club decided to take up an option on their number one goalkeeper. His current deal now runs until the end of the 2022/23 league season.

Killip was an ever present in the side last season making 49 appearances in all competitions keeping 14 clean sheets along the way. He managed to keep his place in the side at the expense of former Derby County keeper Jonathan Mitchell who left the club during the January transfer window.

The former Chelsea academy graduate has made 115 appearances over the course of three seasons at the club following his permanent move from Braintree and has gone on to seal promotion from the National League as well as being a constant in a side that secured their League Two safety in their recent campaign.

Killip said: "Delighted to be staying with Hartlepool for another year. I’ve really enjoyed my time in the North East and the support from the fans has been first class.

"We’ve had a strong season back in the EFL and we have given ourselves a good platform to really push on now and I’m excited to be a part of it."

Meanwhile, Pools continue to engage in talks with first-team players while simultaneously searching for their new manager.

The club’s hierarchy are currently in the process of shortlisting candidates for the job with the aim of completing an appointment in a month’s time.

The club have a fight on their hands to keep hold of Luke Molyneux who is attracting interest from further up the football pyramid.

The 24-year-old finished up at the club’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions.