Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor explains the key factors behind Peter Kioso's departure to Luton Town

The 20-year-old defender had been a stand-out player for Pools this season with Dave Challinor disappointed to lose one of his biggest assets.

Explaining the move, the United boss said: “There’s been speculation around Peter for a while and there has been dialogue around extending his deal and offers have gone in and I’ve spoken with him and the club have spoken with the agent regarding where things are.

“It was clear that he was going to see what was around for him in the summer with him being out of contract which he is perfectly entitled to do.

“From a club perspective, you then have a decision to make if anything does come in.

“Do you act on that or accept that he stays until the end of the season and is out of contract and you leave it to a tribunal in terms of what you get for him which in most instances is very little?

“Although there had been speculation and interest, there wasn’t any formal offers until Luton came in before the weekend with one that we turned down.

“They then came back with a second bid and there was the thought that with Nicke [Kabamba] going that Peter might also get done before the weekend.

“It didn’t happen and in fairness to Luton, they came back with another bid after the weekend which we felt was close to a proper valuation for Peter and that got done – he went down and everything was finalised.

“Of course we’re disappointed to lose him but it's a great opportunity for him going to a Championship club.

“It’s a big step up for him and he's got a great chance.

“The club have got a good deal from it with add-ons and sell-ons, we’ve maximised what we could from the deal.

“Credit to Peter for playing on Saturday because he was aware of the interest before the weekend and for a young player it can be really distracted but he wanted to play and ended on a high with a goal and a great performance so we wish him the very best.”