MILLWALL have rejected Hartlepool United’s bid to extend Tyler Burey’s loan deal until the end of the season.

Burey started in today’s 0-0 draw with Oldham Athletic at the Suit Direct Stadium. It will now be his final game at Pools following the Championship side’s decision to keep him in South-East London with the Lions short on numbers.

The 20-year-old scored three goals in nine appearances for the club but spent a large chunk of his loan spell on the treatment table back at his parent club due to a hamstring injury he picked up back in September.

The news comes as a blow to Pools who are putting the feelers out on new signings after the January transfer window opened today. Graeme Lee says he hasn’t given up hope of bringing Burey back before the end of the month but for the time being, his parents club can’t afford to lose him.

He told BBC Radio Tees Sport: “They told us yesterday that they were going to be calling him back.

“I tried to keep that from him today because I wanted him to impact the game in a clear mind but he knew about it. I spoke to him about making an impact in his last game and leaving an impression on everyone with his performance.

“We did try and keep him, we wanted to keep him but you’ve seen Millwall’s numbers. They had a 15-year-old lad as a sub so they are low on numbers and want to bring him back.

“We’ve already made the call but if it changes in the next couple of weeks, can we bring him back? Hopefully they will keep us updated on that.”