Hartlepool United boss on interest in Carlisle United's Stephen Wearne

That is despite Blues head coach Mark Hughes saying that a potential deal for Wearne is "not active at the moment".

Featherstone last week said that attacking midfielder Wearne was on the Monkey Hangers' list of potential targets.

Pools have since brought in other players, signing midfielder Gavan Holohan and forward Tyrese Sinclair.

The manager of the National League's ninth-placed club has not ruled out further business and said that Wearne was the kind of player they would still like.

In an interview with the Hartlepool Mail, Featherstone, when asked if recent additions meant a further move for Wearne was now less likely, said: "No, it's not off the cards - we're still looking to improve this squad.

"That's what I mean when I say that sort of profile of player is still looking out for EFL clubs at the moment.

"I'm not saying it will be a Stephen Wearne, but that's the type of player that we want in the building.

Hartlepool boss Nicky Featherstone, left, has spoken further about his interest in Stephen Wearne (Image: PA)

"A lot of them are holding out for EFL clubs, so that will become more apparent over the next three or four days when the window shuts and the market properly opens up to National League clubs for the calibre of players that we're looking at."

Wearne has been out of favour at Brunton Park recently, but when asked on Thursday by the News & Star about Hartlepool's link to the ex-MK Dons and Gateshead man, Hughes said: "I don't think that's an active one at the moment."

Other outgoing activity is expected at Carlisle soon, after Hughes confirmed Harry Lewis was potentially on his way out of Brunton Park in a permanent deal.

It's understood a League One club want to sign goalkeeper Lewis, with United aiming to secure a replacement.

Hughes has not ruled out incoming activity but suggested any further signings will depend on United also moving players on.

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