HARTLEPOOL United are ready to step in for Darlington defender Craig Liddle.

The Feethams favourite is out of contract and is expected to hold talks with Quakers' boss David Hodgson about a new deal in the next 48 hours.

He has already spoken to First Division Barnsley, but Pool are ready to offer him the chance to stay in the North-East if he doesn't get a new deal at Feethams.

Liddle - who scored against Pool in the first-leg of the play-offs last season - has rejected the offer of a 12-month extension to his current deal which expires this week and he has admitted he wants to stay at Feethams, but the chance to remain in the area would appeal to the former Middlesbrough man.

Pool boss Chris Turner has also been keeping tabs on Northampton's former Darlington defender Richard Hope as he looks to bolster his squad in time for pre-season training on July 3.

Meanwhile, Leyton Orient are the latest side to express an interest in striker Gary Jones who is available on a free transfer. Halifax have already offered terms to the front man, but with a host of other clubs chasing his signature he is in no rush to commit himself.

Pool have announced three further dates for their pre-season campaign. They travel to Whitby on July 26, Crook on July 27 and Ashington on August 2.

Pool are holding their annual celebrity-am golf day at Seaton Carew GC on Tuesday, July 11.

Among those taking part are Terry McDermott, Mark Lawrenson, Bobby Moncur, Mark McGhee, Pop Robson and Trevor Cherry. Commercial manager John Breward is still looking for sponsors and anyone interested should telephone 01429 272584.

l New Bradford boss Chris Hutchings faces Intertoto Cup madness this weekend as he heads to the Baltic backwater of Lithuania for his first game in charge with just 12 professionals.

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond's desire to see Bradford in European action and the scheduling of the second round tie against FK Atlantas Klaipeda - with the first leg this Sunday and the return a week later - means Hutchings is without half of his squad.

The likes of skipper Stuart McCall, who is due to hold talks with Richmond next week with regard to becoming Hutchings' assistant, David Wetherall, Dean Saunders and Peter Beagrie are all on holiday.

l Mark Viduka is likely to be unveiled as Leeds' new striker by the end of the week after finally agreeing personal terms on a long-term contract. The Celtic striker, player of the year at Parkhead last season after scoring 27 goals for the Bhoys, will now undergo a medical to finalise the deal, believed to be in the region of £7m.