MIKE Newell last night hinted Paul Smith may not be staying at Hartlepool United, as the likelihood of a move to Sheffield Wednesday increased.

The Hartlepool United chief offered new contracts to four players this week, Smith included, but admits tying him down to a new, two-year deal may not be as easy as it seems.

Smith was inspirational last season as Pool surged towards the play-offs, creating over 30 goals from the left wing. But the winger never got going this season after his first pre-season game ended with a knee injury.

He played his best football under former Pool boss Chris Turner - and he is keen on taking Smith to Hillsborough.

Smith is understood to be weighing up his options before committing himself to Victoria Park after seeing Ritchie Humpreys take his mantle as chief provider from the flank.

And Newell, who described Smith's left foot as "a wand" on his arrival at Victoria Park last November, admitted: "We've offered these lads new deal, but I don't know if they all will sign.

"It would be nice to think they will all stay, but I don't know if it is as straight forward as that.''

Turner is an admirer of Graeme Lee, who is likely to move to Hillsborough on a free - and the ex-Pool chief could also move for Gordon Watson as well as Smith.

The striker played his last game for Pool at Rushden on May 3 and Turner last night admitted: "Gordon scored goals for us at Hartlepool and did an excellent job. We'll keep an eye on the situation. Hartlepool have several players out of contract who we'd be showing an interest in if they didn't sign.''

Paul Arnison, Jon Bass, Mark Robinson and Smith were offered new contracts and Newell, who also released Tommy Widdrington, admitted: "When he (Smith) was fit the team was doing so well it was difficult to change things, it wasn't right to do that.

"I know exactly what he is capable of and that's why he has been offered a new contract.

"He missed pre-season last year and that is an important factor in how the season goes. Miss it and you are playing catch up for a long time, you are always behind everyone else fitness wise.''

Arnison, Bass and Robinson are all likely to put pen to paper in the coming days and Newell admitted: "They are good enough and it's important that they want to stay with us. Arnie (Arnison) hasn't had many first team opportunities, but we know he can do it.''

Pool will face Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly at Victoria Park on a date to be confirmed, but a game with Sheffield Wednesday won't be arranged until the Division Two fixture list has been published on June 19.

Pool's pre-season will start with a tour of Holland. Organisers have assured Pool the opposition will be better than Theole and Nootdorp who were both beaten 12-0 last summer.

Read more about Hartlepool here.