Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor provides update on Fleetwood Town right-back Macauley Southam-Hales as interest remains strong

The 24-year-old right-back enjoyed an impressive albeit brief loan stint at Victoria Park last season as he seamlessly slotted into the gap left by Peter Kioso’s departure to Luton Town in January 2020.

Southam-Hales was one of several successful loan signings for Challinor last season. And after bringing Gary Liddle, Timi Odusina and Mark Shelton back to the club, the Pools boss is desperate to do the same with the Welshman and fill the vacant right-back position.

Talks have been ongoing throughout the summer and Southam-Hales is believed to be keen on a return as Challinor’s focus remains on getting the deal over the line.

“It’s common knowledge that we’ve kept in contact with Fleetwood regarding Macca,” he told The Mail.

“We’d love to get him back and the club and hopefully something will happen before the start of the season.

“But we always knew we'd have to be patient and if it doesn’t come off then we’ll look elsewhere but I want to let it run its course.

"So during pre-season, you may see people playing in unaccustomed positions because I’d rather be patient and get the player I want than jump in and get someone else now which rules ourselves out of getting Macca.”

Southam-Hales hasn’t featured in Fleetwood’s recent pre-season friendly matches, leading to speculation that a deal with Pools is close.

But Challinor was quick to shut down any rumours as he added: “He’s been injured and tweaked his MCL during a game.

"I think it's a case of people putting two and two together and coming up with five but it’s just a little niggle.

“I spoke to him over the past week and he’s going to be out for maybe seven to 10 days. From Fleetwood’s perspective, they’re not in a huge rush, their season starts before ours and they’ve got to get their own squad tied down.

"As I’ve said, we’d love something to happen but we have to be realistic because there’s nothing in place yet and nothing is concrete at the moment.”

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