HARTLEPOOL UNITED have completed the signing of former Sunderland striker Chris Maguire.

Maguire, who spent three seasons with the Black Cats, was a free agent following his release from Lincoln City earlier this summer.

The 33-year-old was suspended by Lincoln after an alleged breach of the Football Association’s betting rules. Maguire is alleged to have placed 52 bets on football matches between March 2017 and February 2022, and is likely to receive a suspension if found guilty.

The Scottish forward has joined Pools on a permanent basis, but the club have drawn up a contract that will cover them in the event of Maguire being sidelined for a lengthy spell.

He is eligible to make his Hartlepool debut in tomorrow evening’s League Two game with Crewe Alexandra, subject to EFL approval, and is set to go straight into the squad for the game at Victoria Park.

“We are delighted to bring Chris to the club,” said Pools boss Paul Hartley. “We are getting a very talented and experienced forward who will undoubtedly add quality to the team. He will be available for selection in (tomorrow’s) home fixture versus Crewe.

“We are obviously well aware of his current situation after recently being charged by the FA in connection to betting and we know there is a possibility at some point he may miss some games this season. We have agreed a contract structure that takes this matter into account from the club’s perspective.”

Maguire was a popular figure on Wearside, scoring 28 goals in his 125 appearances for the Black Cats. He returned to the Stadium of Light with Lincoln in January, and scored a hat-trick as the Imps claimed a 3-1 win.

“I am delighted to sign for the club,” said Maguire. “It all came about quite quickly, but once I spoke to the manager, I knew this is where I wanted to be.

“It’s a great club with great fans, I know a lot about them especially after my recent time in the North-East. I'm fit and ready. I can't wait to get started.”