Could Hartlepool United be set for cash windfall from Josh Laurent sale?

Hartlepool United could be set for a cash windfall thanks to Wigan Athletic's sale of former midfielder Josh Laurent.
Former Hartlepool United player Josh Laurent.Former Hartlepool United player Josh Laurent.
Former Hartlepool United player Josh Laurent.

The 23-year-old could complete a switch to Shrewsbury Town in the coming days for what could be an undisclosed fee.

And the Mail has learned that as part of his sale to Wigan a sell-on fee was inserted.

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But the catch is that Pools only make money if the sale exceeds the amount the club originally received for the player.

While details of the sale price for Laurent, who left Pools at the end of the January transfer window in 2017, were scarce at the time, it was thought Pools got in excess of £100,000 for the player.

So, should the Shrews be signing him for more than that, Pools will be due a percentage.

Laurent has barely featured in his 18 month spell with the Latics, making just four appearances, only one of which was in the league.

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He was signed by Pools when Ronnie Moore was boss, but really broke on the scene at Victoria Park under current director of football Craig Hignett.

Laurent made 33 appearances for Pools between February 2016 and January 2017.

Pools are still awaiting confirmation of the fee the Shrews paid for Laurent, and any subsequent cash boost to Matthew Bates’ summer budget.

Meanwhile, striker Jake Cassidy thinks Pools put the woes of last season behind them by mounting a charge for the play-offs this term.

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“It’s the finest margins,” the 25-year-old said of last year’s National League failings.

“It can make a difference turning defeats into draws or even just making sure we do not have a three or four month period without a win, much like we did last year.

“We still finished 15th, though, even with the struggles on and off the park.

“If we can carry on the form of the back end of last season I see no reason why won’t be pushing up towards the top.”