What can Hartlepool United fans expect from final day of the January transfer window?

Sam Collins and Ronnie Moore are working hard to improve the Pools squad

Defeat at home to Exeter City leaves Pools 21st in League Two, four points above the bottom two.

And while the club has between two and four games in hand over the teams around them, Pools are struggling to string together a consistent run of form while the teams around them are picking up points.

New recruits are needed before Monday's 11pm deadline.

The January window got off to a good start with winger Nathan Thomas joining on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee, and promising striker Ellis Harrison joining on loan from Bristol Rovers.

But Pools have been frustrated in their attempts to improve the squad since.

Pools have lodged bids for Oxford United striker Danny Hylton, Stockport forward Kristian Dennis, Oldham Athletic striker Rhys Murphy, ex-Pompey midfielder Nigel Atangana and former midfielder Gary Liddle.

But none of those will be joining, with some players not willing to head 'north' and join struggling Pools.

So, what should Pools fans expect from deadline day?

The chances of landing a permanent deal before the window closes are remote, with frustrated chairman Gary Coxall offering to pay for all away travel for supporters for the rest of the season as a gesture.

Therefore incoming loan deals are most likely on Monday, with the likes of Kudus Oyenuga and Ebby Nelson-Addy expected to be leaving on loan.

The emergency loan window re-opens in a week's time so it wouldn't be the end of the world if Pools failed to bolster the squad tomorrow.

But adding goals to the side is a MUST and Peterborough United and former Pools striker Luke James is the No 1 target.

Despite his acrimonious exit in the summer of 2014, it would still be a welcome sight to see him holding aloft a blue and white scarf come teatime.

Last January Ronnie Moore enjoyed a manic deadline day at The Vic with David Mirfin and Marvin Morgan among several new signings joining the club's battle against the drop.

Don't expect it to be that busy again but a significant day lies ahead nonetheless.