HARTLEPOOL United will learn next week whether they stand any chance of signing Danny Johnson, with the striker set for crunch talks with Mansfield Town.

The Stags recalled the Teessider from his loan spell at Walsall earlier this month but his time back at Mansfield could be short-lived, with as many as six League Two clubs keen on the 29-year-old. Pools are understood to be one of the interested parties.

Johnson has already rejected a move to one club this month, Mansfield boss Nigel Clough revealed, with the Stags planning talks with the forward next week to determine whether he wants to stay at the One Call Stadium or move on.

One complicating factor is the two club rule. Having played for Walsall, if Johnson features for Mansfield then he wouldn't be able to play for any other clubs this season. Walsall are one of the clubs rivalling Pools for the striker's signature.

One advantage for Pools could be the fact that Johnson could be swayed by the idea of returning to Teesside. The striker had a spell with Hartlepool very early in his career. He then dropped out of the pro game but earned a move to Cardiff City thanks to his prolific Northern League record playing for Guisborough Town.

Mansfield chief Clough said: "There have been quite a few enquiries, five or six. We’ve had a couple of bids. Nothing meets the valuation. But we’re very happy to have Danny back. It’s not a problem for us to get him back in and involved.

“I think one of the bids was accepted but Danny didn’t want to go to that particular club. You’ve got to look at it from all angles. The player has got to want to go, the two clubs have got to agree and if any one of those three parties can’t make it work then it breaks down.”

Walsall have had a bid for Johnson rejected.

Clough said: “They’ve made a bid which I don’t think, at this moment in time, is up to the valuation, but it’s about whether we want to keep Danny for the rest of the season. We’re under no pressure to sell."