Hartlepool United striker Mani Dieseruvwe discusses his future as contract negotiations continue

The 29-year-old, who ended a run of seven games without a goal when he scored a second half equaliser against Tamworth on Tuesday night, is one of a number of players believed to be out of contract at the end of the season. Young attacker Joe Grey, who has formed a potent partnership with Dieseruvwe over the last couple of campaigns, is also at risk of becoming a free agent this summer.

Having scored 25 goals last term, becoming just the fourth Pools player to score 20 times in a single league campaign in the last 50 years, Dieseruvwe has had a more challenging season this time around. The former Chesterfield, Salford and Halifax frontman struggled under outspoken former boss Darren Sarll, although he did become the first ever Pools player to come off the bench and score a hat-trick during October's remarkable win over Sutton. That represented the start of a productive run of eight goals in 11 games, although the popular striker had been enduring a barren run prior to his much-needed goal in midweek. By his own admission, Dieseruvwe could have had more on Tuesday night and spurned a number of presentable opportunities.

Despite a difficult couple of months, Dieseruvwe's time at Pools has been hugely positive. Manager John Askey lured him to the North East in July 2023 following an impressive season with National League rivals Halifax, during which he scored 14 goals, at the time the most prolific season of his career. Askey ensured Dieseruvwe was the main man at the Prestige Group Stadium and the experienced forward played every minute of every game for which he was available. More than just a goalscorer, Dieseruvwe is dynamic, athletic, industrious and excellent at defending set-pieces. While this season hasn't been quite as electric, Dieseruvwe remains an integral part of the Pools side.

However, there are increasing fears his time at Pools could be coming to an end. Dieseruvwe turns 30 later this month, so might feel as though this summer will be one of his last chances to earn a lucrative move to the Football League. While Pools have offered him a new contract and it remains on the table, Dieseruvwe is yet to put pen to paper on a deal and admits he's focusing on his football for now.

"For me, personally, I'm focused on the games," he told BBC Radio Tees Sport.

"Initially there was a lot of talk and conversations between myself and the club, but they've obviously quietened down a little bit. That's given me more chance to focus on the team. There are no distractions away from the games, that's the most important thing. My future will be decided and dictated when the time is right, I don't think it's right to keep going on about it and talking about it because I feel the most important thing is the team. I just want to do my best for the team and help this club progress as much as it can. When the contract and things like that are sorted, we'll all be able to see it."