Sheffield United complete bargain buy of Middlesbrough target Nathan Thomas from Hartlepool United

As seems to be the norm these days, the transfer figure was described as "an undisclosed fee", understood to be around the £300,000 mark, well short of the mark Pools hoped to get in the January transfer window.

Following relegation, the vultures began to circulate around the Northern Gas & Power Stadium, with the gifted Thomas top of the wanted list.

Sheffield United, newly-promoted to the Championship, were first out of the blocks with Middlesbrough and Leeds United also interested.

Boro made an offer for the 22-year-old who, it seemed, thought a switch to the Blades would be a better career move.

Thomaswent to Bramall Lane, where he completed his medical and agreed personal terms.

The Teessider joined Pools in the opening minutes of the January 2016 transfer window from Mansfield Town, an inspired piece of business by then boss, Ronnie Moore, though he enjoyed a run of stunning form and goals under Craig Hignett.

Thomas carried on this season from where he left off last term, winning the game at Yeovil single-handedly and scored a 'worldy' in the 3-0 win at Grimsby;

But his season was interrupted by a groin injury at Barnet, which required surgery, and after his return he was unable to re-capture his previous form.

In total, he made 56 appearances for Pools, scoring 14 goals.