CREWE boss Dario Gradi yesterday fired the opening salvo in the summer chase for Tommy Miller.

Gradi, a long-time admirer of the 22-year-old, claimed to have lodged a written offer for the midfielder in the region of £800,000.

Miller is currently in Norway training with Brann Bergen ahead of Pool's return for their pre-season campaign tomorrow.

Pool declined to comment on the bid, but Gradi revealed: "We have made an offer for Miller in writing, but we have not heard anything back from Hartlepool.

"He is in Norway and we are waiting for him to return. We will have to wait and see because I have heard various reports that he could be going here there and everywhere.''

Ipswich and Wigan are among the others expected to join the chase. Miller is not due back from Bergen until next Tuesday and will see out his stint in Norway unless a bid is accepted and a club is given permission to speak to the player.

Pool boss Chris Turner returned from holiday to tie up Ian Clark and Paul Arnison to new contracts. Martin Hollund has agreed to put pen to paper on a new deal and that leaves Graeme Lee as the only player yet to sign.

Lee has only just returned from his summer break and Turner is due to hold talks with the central defender in the next 48 hours.

The Pool boss said: "Obviously it's nice to get players tied to the club and now the job is to go on and bring in new faces. We are talking to players all this week and hopefully come up with something soon.

"The plan is to bring in three or four good quality players to strengthen the squad.''

Clark said: "I'm pleased to sign. I've enjoyed my time here and want to be part of the club's future.

"A play-off place is the least we will accept next season - we're really looking for automatic promotion.''

Hartlepool-born Arnison added: "I never wanted to play anywhere else. The only reason I hadn't signed sooner is because I was away in Mexico getting married and when I got back the gaffer was away.

"We had a good squad last season and we are looking to make it stronger this season, so we are hoping for better things.''

Sam Shilton yesterday signed a two-year deal with Kidderminster Harriers after being freed from Victoria Park.

Pool last night confirmed DNO have extended their shirt sponsorship for a second season.

* Turner is holding a question and answer session in Everett Street Hall, Hartlepool on Friday night from 7.30pm.

Admission, including supper, is £3.50 with £1 donated to the Jon Robert Collingwood appeal. Tickets are on sale both tonight and tomorrow from the venue and on the door on Friday night.

Further details can be obtained on 01429 863462.

Read more about Hartlepool here.