The 2023-24 National League season is still two months away but business is already well underway with clubs making their moves for players who are set to head out of contract later this month.
Hartlepool have already made two signings in goalkeeper Joel Dixon and defender Kieran Burton, but where else could John Askey look to when it comes to free agents?
Clubs up and down the country have been releasing their retained list of players over the last few weeks as well as confirming which players will not be getting offered new deals and are to leave.
And here, at The Mail, we look at several players heading out of contract from League Two and differing levels of non-league to see who could interest Hartlepool this summer across a number of positions.
1. Dan Langley
Langley is heading out of contract at St James' Park having spent time on loan with both Gateshead and Spennymoor Town in 2022-23. Hartlepool will need another goalkeeper this summer and the Newcastle United stopper could be an option to compete with Joel Dixon. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
2. Jacob Carney
The former Manchester United youngster was confirmed as part of Sunderland's released list recently and could provide an alternative to Joel Dixon. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
3. Jordan Cropper
The 23-year-old was released by Grimsby Town having made just seven appearances for them in 2022-23 before spending time on loan in the National League with Barnet. Would provide excellent competition at right-back whilst offering a threat with his long throw-ins. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Regan
4. Ryan Johnson
Johnson has previous with Hartlepool United as part of the promotion winning squad in 2021. Since then the centre-back went on to help Stockport County earn promotion in 2022 following a spell with Port Vale before being released from Edgeley Park at the end of the 2022-23 season. A Pools return would help bolster the defence (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Photo: Naomi Baker