HARTLEPOOL UNITED are among the front-runners to land former Sunderland striker Michael Bridges, but face strong competition for his services.

Pools have signalled to the player that they are interested in taking him to Victoria Park, although Bridges' former club are favourites to sign him.

Hull City have circulated the 29-year-old's name around the Football League in the hope that they can offload him on loan now with a view to making a permanent move in January.

And, at this stage, Carlisle United appear to be winning the chase after Bridges was told there is a place for him in the squad he left in August last year.

The North Shields-born forward has struggled to make an impact at Hull in the Championship following his £350,000 move and has scored twice in just nine league starts for the Tigers.

And, having enjoyed success at Brunton Park between November 2005 and August 2006, he would be keen on playing for the Cumbrians again.

Pools, though, hope to persuade him otherwise.

Leeds United are also keen on taking Bridges - who helped the Whites to the Champions League semi-final in 2001 - back to Elland Road.

But boss Dennis Wise is not in a position to make anymore loan signings and cannot sign him permanently until the transfer window reopens in January.

There are also offers from abroad for Bridges but Carlisle and Pools are his options.

Wilson will tonight make changes for the JPT tie at Lincoln, but competition rules restrict his options.

Managers are forced to play a majority of players who have appeared this season and the ruling has angered Wilson.

"It is a nonsense, it is absolutely ridiculous that I can't make too many changes because we are playing on Friday night as well,'' he said.

"If it was my choice we would let more players have a rest and the squad players need games too. It's an ideal chance to play the lads who aren't getting a game.

"I can understand the ethos of Johnstone's Paint in not wanting weakened sides put out.

"But they also have to take into consideration us as well.

"If we go into the league game against Bristol Rovers on Friday and we're knackered, our season ticket holders will want to know what's going on.

And Wilson hinted that he isn't the only manager upset with the ruling

"I have to say that I wouldn't have thought for one minute that Johnstone's Paint would be able to dictate to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal as to who they can and can't play.

"But at this level they can dictate to clubs and the bottom two tiers of football need the cash, so the chairmen have to say yes to the rules otherwise there is no sponsorship.

"I would love to see the rules change."