HARTLEPOOL United have enquired about the availability of Leeds United midfielder Stuart McKinstry but will have to wait until a resolution to his contract is agreed at Elland Road for the deal to progress.

Pools have asked the Premier League club about the possibility of taking the 19-year-old on loan for next season. However, it’s understood contractual talks with his parent club are reaching an impasse.

McKinstry has one year left on his current deal at Elland Road but the club and player are yet to reach an agreement on an extension. Leeds would be happy to sanction a temporary move for the Scotsman if an extension can be agreed with Pools waiting patiently.

Pools could explore the possibility of making a permanent move but may well have to pay a sizeable fee as Leeds would be keen to regain the investment they have put into the teenager. It would also be a considered risk given how he has little experience of first-team football with just one appearance to date. Leeds United do have decisions to make on their first-team squad following the departure of England midfielder Kalvin Phillips who has joined Manchester City on a six-year deal.

McKinstry made the switch to North Yorkshire from Motherhwell in 2019 to link with the Leeds youth set up. After making ground on his push into the first-team this season with 21 appearances and two goals in Premier League 2, his first team debut came last November coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute of their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Pools are looking to fill considerable gaps in their squad after suffering the loss of three key players. Timi Odusina, Omar Bogle and Neill Byrne have all left to join League Two sides Bradford City, Newport County and Tranmere Rovers respectively. They cancelled tomorrow night’s friendly tie against St Mirren to concentrate on matters at the club’s Maiden Castle training ground and concentrate on matters on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Pools will have to play the waiting game in their pursuit of Rangers winger Josh McPake. His parent club are running the rule over the 20-year-old have made an early impression during pre-season. He scored the matchwinning goal in their 3-2 friendly victory over Partick Thistle.