WORKINGTON Reds' summer target Paul Murray is to discuss terms with Hartlepool United this week.

Murray, along with ex-Carlisle full-back Evan Horwood and Uruguayan midfielder Fabian Yantorno have been on trail with the Championship One side.

Pool’s director of sport Chris Turner is to hold talks with all three who are free agents after the squad returned from their annual pre-season tour of Holland on Saturday.

All three trialists featured in both games in the Netherlands and are likely to be offered permanent terms at Victoria Park to provide a cost-effective injection of fresh blood into the Pools squad.

Hartlepool-born Horwood is almost certain to be offered a deal, particularly with SPL outfit Aberdeen still interested, while Yantorno and Murray impressed Turner during the second game in Holland against FC Den Bosch.

Pools fans have become concerned at the lack of transfer activity at the Vic during the summer with back-up keeper Andy Rafferty the only new acquisition since the end of last season.

All three trialists previously worked under Pools first-team coach Mick Wadsworth, the former Carlisle manager and ex-Gretna coach.

Murray, a former England Under-21 international, wants to get into coaching after he’s finished playing days and if Hartlepool don’t offer him that chance then Workington will try to work something out for him.

Reds resume their pre-season programme at Penrith tomorrow night when the west Cumbrians will be getting their first close look at the new Frenchfields stadium, having played all previous games at Southend Road.

Annan Athletic won 6-1 while a Barrow X1 were successful 1-0 in previous home games for Penrith as James Tose4’s side build-up to the new Northern League season.

Reds, who travel to Whitley Bay on Saturday, should have been playing at Annan at the week-end but the four team tournament was cancelled.

Penrith, who play in the Northern League’s top flight, have several ex-Reds players in their ranks including Alan Gray, Graham Anthony, Mark Jones, Dean Douglas, Simon Tucker and goalkeeper James Holland.

---

Bookmark with: what are these?