Hartlepool United and manager Dave Challinor exhausting options in search of Luke James replacement following injury

Pools have brought in a winger in Tyler Hamilton, a midfielder in Mark Shelton and a versatile defensive player in Gary Liddle in on loan so far.

And while their search for a striker is ongoing, Challinor is prepared to be patient in order to bring the right player in.

The United manager currently has only Gime Toure and Nicke Kabamba as the two senior strikers in his side as further additions are expected.

“Absolutely, we’re looking to bring a striker in but looking at that, this time of year, there are people who we’ve spoken to and contacted and it will probably not be until January until something happens with that,” Challinor said.

“Football League clubs or Scottish clubs probably won’t do anything until January in terms of loans because they’ll want to bring people in themselves.

“The most important is the right player and how they will benefit the group. I suppose decisions will be made for us depending on what happens.

“If we can get through things without doing anything then we will do but we’re actively looking now and if something becomes available before then we’ll look to do it.

“It’s a case of going through a pretty big list and exhausting all opportunities and speaking to clubs, agents and players and seeing who is the best fit.”