....attacking options with the signing of hot-shot Marcus Dinanga on a season-long loan deal from SkyBet League One side Burton Albion.

The Brewers academy graduate has enjoyed fruitful spells out on-loan in recent seasons, having been prolific for Matlock Town in the Northern Premier League with 34 goals and later AFC Telford United in the National League North where he netted 25.

The 21-year-old will now have the chance to make the step-up into the highest-tier of non-League football, hoping to continue his impressive scoring record.

His performances earned him a contract extension at The Pirelli Stadium, but manager Nigel Clough was keen for him to gain further senior experience with another loan stint away from Staffordshire.

Pools boss Bates moved quickly to seal the deal for the strong and pacey front man who emerged as a target for several clubs given his excellent form and prolific record in recent seasons.

He told https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk: “He came to our attention when we were looking at the stats of strikers from the league below.

“He did really well at Telford in what was a struggling side, with all respect to them, so we watched plenty of footage of him and liked the look of that and also spoke to several managers who came up against him last season who all gave positive reports.

“It was one of the first phone calls we made earlier in the summer to see if we could get him here and I have to say that Burton have been very professional in keeping us updated along the way.

“I think there were a few other clubs in for him but because we did things right they were keen for him to come here.

“He’s strong, quick and a bit raw given he’s only 21 but he does the basics really well and I can see him being a big asset for us this season”.