Pools linked with strike pair

HARTLEPOOL UNITED have been linked with a pair of strikers in Huddersfield Town's Martin Smith and Shrewsbury Town's Luke Rodgers.

The Victoria Park club are said to be in talks with the duo, as new Pools boss Neale Cooper gets his squad ready for the new season in Division Two.

Smith (pictured) has been linked with Northampton Town and Wigan Athletic this close season, with The Terriers having expressed their desire to secure the hit-man to a contract extension at the McAlpine Stadium.

Highly-rated youngster Rodgers has been the subject of transfer speculation since The Shrews' relegation from The Football League last term.

He was one of the players that led the Gay Meadow club to their famous FA Cup victory over Everton last January but the club's disastrous end-of-season league run saw them finish bottom of Division Three.

Hartlepool are keen to strengthen following promotion from Third Division last season and the possible addition of Smith and Rodgers would serve as a welcome boost.