Hartlepool United closing in on Pete Wild as the club's new head coach

Pools, who have lost eight of their last nine matches, had initially been keen on former York City boss Stuart Maynard, who led the Minstermen to the National League title last season.

However, after a deal for the 45-year-old failed to materialise, Pools appear to have turned their attention towards Wild, who has been out of work since leaving Tranmere Rovers at the end of last season.

Pools are believed to be confident of completing a deal to bring Wild to Victoria Park despite earlier suggestions he was eager to remain in the North West.