HARTLEPOOL last night were hoping to seal the signature of Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham before the transfer window closed after making Ally Gibb the club's third signing of the season.

Manager Danny Wilson finally managed to secure the services of the former Bristol Rovers wideman yesterday afternoon after a summer-long pursuit. The 30-year-old, who will wear the number 24 shirt, arrives on a free transfer.

"It's great to get him signed up after all the problems he has had," said Wilson. "He is a terrific professional and will help us raise the standards in the squad. he is tenacious and energetic and I am sure the fans will take to him in no time at all."

But the Pools boss is still hopeful his transfer dealing does not end there and wants to bring Graham to Victoria Park either on loan or in a permanent deal.

Wilson sees the Boro forward as a direct replacement for the recently departed Adam Boyd (to Luton), and the man to cure the club's barren spell in front of goal which has produced only three goals in six competitive fixtures.

Wilson is banking on Boro's recent capture of Jason Euell from Charlton, and a late bid for Preston's David Nugent, making the Gateshead born frontman surplus to requirements at the Riverside.

Graham, who has made one start in his 14 outings for the Teessiders, recently returned from a one month loan period with League One outfit Blackpool. He netted one goal in four appearances at Bloomfield Road.

The 21-year-old striker has also had spells on loan at Leeds United, Derby County and Darlington in a bid to gain first team experience. A goals return of four in 21 starts may not look impressive reading on paper but Wilson believes Graham can fulfil his potential by dropping down two leagues.

The only obstacle preventing the deal going through was the hyperactive transfer business at Middlesbrough yesterday. The Teessiders were frantically trying to tie up the deals for Robert Huth and Nugent - after securing the services of Jonathan Woodgate and Euell - which means their priorities lay elsewhere.

But if Pools miss out on his signature they could still get their man under the seven day rule - which allows Football League clubs to sign players on loan one week after the transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, Pools host Boston tonight at Victoria Park still looking to record their first league win of the new season.

The Pilgrims, who registered their only win of the season against North-East rivals Darlington, sit one place and one point above their League One rivals in the table.

But despite Boston's lowly position and the loss of their star striker the Pools' boss is expecting a tough encounter.

"Boston have lost one of their top players in Julian Joachim but that is not to say it is going to be any easier again," said Wilson who has Willie Boland available for the first time. "They had a very rough and physical game with MK Dons last weekend and I know they felt unlucky not to get something.

"So it is going to be a physical contest but if can do what we have done to a few teams so far in terms of creating chances then I am sure it will turn for us.

"We just have to persevere because we have showed we can cope physically against sides and create plenty of chances.

"There is not a great deal wrong with the way we are playing. I have been disappointed with one or two areas but just because we haven't had that win yet doesn't mean everything has gone pear-shaped, far from it. The lads are still very upbeat and positive and looking forward to the game."