Takeover could lead to lifting of Hartlepool United transfer embargo

Craig Harrison's hands have been tied in terms of transfers for more than eight weeks.

Hopes are high that there could be a change of ownership at Victoria Park by the end of next week, with an unnamed Hartlepool-born entrepreneur ready to step in and save the club from the brink of administration.

And should talks go as planned Pools might just be able to shake the transfer ban that has hampered progress over the course of the last two months.

As reported in the Mail on January 16, Pools are unable to sign players due to complications with paperwork behind the scenes.

This is not related to any financial irregularities or the current predicament Pools find themselves in directly.

What it has done is prevent Craig Harrison adding to his injury-ravaged squad.

At this time he is unable to even add players on loan, even though Harrison has been offered ‘free’ loan deals by a number of Football League clubs.

It has also prevented the club from extending deals for the likes of Keith Watson, back at St Johnstone, and Jonathan Franks, who has left the club on a free contract.

The hope is, for Harrison anyway, that a lifting of the ban, would allow him to bring the pair back to the club.

And with Watson also being a free agent, a more long term deal could be arranged.

The embargo has not prevented departures, of course, with prospect Connor Simpson signing for Preston North End for an up front fee of £50,000.