Hartlepool closing in on signing keeper Trevor Carson

Trevor Carson, who was relegated with Cheltenham Town last season, is understood to be on the wanted list with Reading stopper Mikkel Andersen also on the radar.

Pools released reserve keeper Jonny Maxted at the end of the season and Scott Flinders is set to reject a new contract on reduced terms and leave after six years as Number One.

That will leave Moore with two positions to fill, with new goalkeeping coach Tony Caig added to the staff this week.

Veteran Steve Harper, released by Premier League side Hull City, is keen on a move back to the North East and a player-coach role would appeal, as revealed by SportMail.

But with the addition of Caig, the return of Harper – who enjoyed a loan spell at The Vic in 1997 – looks unlikely.

Carson, 27, was brought to Whaddon Road by then boss Mark Yates in July last season after his release by Bury and quickly became a fans favourite.

During a dreadful season – which ended with their relegation alongside Tranmere Rovers – Carson was the standout performer and won the supporters player of the year award with a landslide majority.

A move back to the North East would appeal to transfer-listed Carson, who started his career at Premier League neighbours Sunderland.

Danish stopper Andersen, meanwhile, is on the books at Championship side Reading with the 26-year-old loaned out to several league clubs including Brentford, Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth during his career.

Moore has links with the Reading coaching staff, with Pools benefiting from Aaron Tshibola’s loan spell from the Royals last season.

Meanwhile, SportMail understands forward Jonathan Franks, also offered reduced terms by Pools, is to have a trial at Scunthorpe United.