But any chance of the Aussie remaining at Victoria Park is thought to depend on whether Pools are prepared to offer Porter a three-year contract.

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SportMail understands Porter is still undecided on whether his future lies in the North-East or if he should return to his native Australia.

The 29-year-old's contract at the Vic expires at the end of the season and it had been thought Porter would end his career down under.

New Zealand-based Wellington Phoenix, who play in the Australian A League, are believed to have offered Porter a three-year deal if he re-locates.

But Porter has not completely turned his back on Pools and would commit to the club if he is offered three more years.

That seems unlikely given Porter's injury record over the last three years, where he has spent several lengthy periods on the sidelines with knee injuries.

But the striker is a firm favourite with the fans and has been a key member of Danny Wilson's squad over the last five months, taking his goal tally for the season up to 13.

Wilson is thought to be keen on retaining Porter's services but any deal is likely to depend on whether the Pools board are prepared to risk giving the forward such a lengthy contract.

Porter, who turns 30 in December, will discover the club's decision tomorrow when the retained list is released.

Wilson has been in discussions with chairman Ken Hodcroft for most of the week, discussing the futures of various players at the club.

A number of first-team players are out of contract including Robbie Elliott, Willie Boland and Matty Robson.

But Porter's future will be the priority for many supporters who have seen the striker get back to his very best since returning from injury in January.

Meanwhile, the summer transfer merry-go-round is starting to get in full swing.

Carlisle-born Nottingham Forest striker Grant Holt is the most high profile player being linked with a move to the Vic.

The 27-year-old was prolific in his younger years at Rochdale, but has not been a regular at Forest and was loaned out to Blackpool in March.

Elsewhere, midfielder Chris Brandon has revealed a number of clubs are after his signature after he was released by Huddersfield Town.

The 32-year-old is thought to favour a move to hometown club Bradford City, but Pools have also been credited with an interest in Brandon, who played against Wilson's side at the Vic in March.

Pools youngster Craig Gott, who is not being offered a professional deal at the Vic, has been offered a trial at Darlington.