Hartlepool United miss out on top transfer target as Macauley Southam-Hales signs for Stockport County.

Pools boss Dave Challinor was hoping to bring the full-back to The Vic again on loan following a successful spell in the North East earlier this year before football was suspended as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Challinor knew he faced competition from elsewhere and former Fleetwood Town defender Southam-Hales has now agreed a two-year move to Stockport County for an undisclosed fee.

Stockport boss Jim Gannon said: “It is great to have Macauley join us at this stage just as we start the final preparations for the season ahead.

"He was a player we were monitoring for future recruitment but we are delighted that we have been able to secure his services early for this coming season.”

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.

But the Pools chief will now have to turn his attentions elsewhere.

Speaking last month, Challinor 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.”