Although Hartlepool work outside of the traditional transfer window now following their relegation back to the National League, the ins and outs at the club remain a top priority.
John Askey has brought in several new faces during the course of his tenure, with Pools, in general, seeing a flurry of ins and outs in recent years.
But who are some of those players Hartlepool have missed out on in times gone by?
Here, The Mail looks at 18 deals Hartlepool were close to completing in recent years that never quite came off.
13. Stuart McKinstry
McKinstry is another player Paul Hartley missed out on to Scotland when the former Leeds United midfielder opted for a move back to Motherwell on loan over Pools. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
14. Scott Banks
Pools were one of a number of clubs interested in the Crystal Palace youngster but it was Bradford City who won the race - Banks went on to score against Hartlepool soon after joining the Bantams. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
15. Harvey Saunders
Keith Curle confirmed Hartlepool had matched both the offer and wage demands of Saunders before he turned down the move in favour of a switch to Tranmere Rovers in January. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
16. Danny Johnson
A player Hartlepool coveted last summer but were unable to reach an agreement before pursuing him again in January after his return to Mansfield Town. Pools were one of a number of clubs alongside Colchester and Walsall who could not make the move happen (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) Photo: Laurence Griffiths