Hartlepool United striker Niko Muir seals deadline day exit

Pools have been active in the transfer window, as they have secured the loan signings of Timi Odusina (from Norwich City), Macauley Southam-Hales (Fleetwood Town) and Rob Harker (Burnley), while also bringing Aidan Keena in on a permanent deal from Scottish side Hearts.

They have also extended Mark Shelton and Gary Liddle’s loans until the end of the season.

In terms of outgoings, Peter Kioso and Nicke Kabamba have been sold to Luton Town and Kilmarnock respectively.

Jason Kennedy joined Spennymoor Town on a short-term loan deal, with Niko Muir joining Hampton & Richmond Borough on loan for the rest of the season.

Challinor was not expecting any late interest for the likes of Gime Toure and Fraser Kerr, with the window for EFL and Premier League clubs closing last night.

“I’ve not heard anything on Fraser formally so I’m not sure where the link has come from,” claimed the Pools boss, speaking earlier in the week.

“He was in and out of the side and then obviously he suffered an injury and isn’t really close to being fit.

“It’s certainly not something we’ve been actively pushing and I don’t expect anything to happen in the immediate future.

“If it comes to a point where he’s back fit and wants to be playing, then that’s a conversation I’ll have with the players moving forward.

“Then we’ll come to a decision that suits everyone.

“Nicke was a quick turnaround and was out of the blue really, because we had no interest whatsoever before Kilmarnock came in and it was completed within 24 hours."

On Muir's move, Challinor explained: "We have a recall clause within the deal so we can protect ourselves a little and make sure we don’t leave ourselves short in that area.

“It’s a constantly changing picture but we have to do the best we can for the players and for the Club so hopefully him going out and getting games will do everyone the world of good.”