THE chances of Micky Nelson, the long-serving Hartlepool United defender, being at Victoria Park next season are receding.

Offered a new deal last month, Nelson has yet to indicate if he will be taking up the terms with the club he joined in 2003.

But his agent last night admitted: "He will probably be moving on. Clive Hart added: "We are still talking to a few clubs at the moment.''

Hart, however, was unwilling to reveal any names of clubs involved.

Colchester and Norwich, where former Pools coach Ian Butterworth moved last season, are known admirers, while Brighton have also emerged as potential suitors.

Seagulls boss Russell Slade is well aware of Nelson's capabilities in recent seasons and is hoping to entice him to the south coast as he reshapes his squad following a summer take over at the Withdean Stadium.

The chances a move to the Scottish Premier League with Hibs appear to have blown over, after boss Mixu Paatelainen left the club over the weekend. He visited Victoria Park to watch Nelson in action against Leeds last season.

Of the out of contract players offered deals to stay, Andy Monkhouse, Gary Liddle and Michael Mackay have signed, while Matty Robson has turned down the offer.

Pools, however, have already recruited Sunderland central defender Peter Hartley, while boss Chris Turner has also had Leicester's Harry Worley on trial last season and made a tentative enquiry about Peterborough's Chris Westwood. Ben Clark will also revert to central defence next season.