HARTLEPOOL United were today maintaining their silence amid fresh speculation surrounding outside investment in the club.
Reports have suggested that Pools were to be taken over by new foreign owners and the deal could be completed this week.
Pools are maintaining their club policy of not publicly commenting on rumours while senior figures insist they have not been t
old of any new investment or potential takeover.
But the speculation surrounding the club's financial status has now dragged on for months with some sources suggesting Pools would receive a windfall of outside investment and others saying owners Increased Oil Recovery are ready to sell.
SportMail rubbished rumours of a Sunday newspaper report suggesting £10million was set to be invested in the club earlier this month.
But IOR conduct oil and gas deals throughout the world and speculation has been rife that one of their business associates is set to invest.
IOR have kept their dealings behind closed doors since buying the then Third Division outfit from Pools saviour Harold Hornsey in September 1997.
Pools fans have been kept in the dark over the reasons behind the exits of ex-managers Danny Wilson, Neale Cooper and Mike Newell so it's no surprise that little concrete has emerged over possible new investment.
But any takeover negotiations would explain the lack of transfer activity at Victoria Park this summer.
Pools have only brought in back-up keeper Andy Rafferty since the end of last season and are yet to complete moves for on-trial trio Evan Horwood, Fabian Yantorno and Paul Murray.
