Transfer latest: Matthew Bates hints at Hartlepool United exits as loan market eyed

And that could open up some wriggle room for him to dip into the loan market before the end of the summer.

Having watched his side outclassed by Championship side Middlesbrough on Saturday, the former Boro defender admitted he is happy with the make up and balance of his Pools squad with the National League campaign just five days away.

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That could all change should an offer come in for a player currently on the books.

Bates confirmed no offers are on the table for any of his players, as things stand, but should interest grow and the chance to shuffle his pack arises, Bates is not against the idea of at least getting one or two players on loan.

The Mail understands Boro and Sunderland players are on the manager’s shortlist this summer, should one of his players who were made available at the start of pre-season move on.

MATCH REPORT: Hartlepool United 0 Middlesbrough 5: Boro's £21million frontline runs riot as Pools' summer ends in defeat"That’s our squad done, now," said Bates.

"There might be a couple of outgoings, possibly.

Hartlepool has cost Raj Singh more than he’d budgeted for, but he wouldn’t change a thing about Pools’ progress"If there is a couple go then I will reassess the squad. But at the moment I do not think we will add."

When asked specifically about interest in any players on show for Boro at the weekend, the boss said: “Like I said, if we have any outgoings then I might put a call in.

"But, at this stage, our squad is done."