Hartlepool United defender Neill Byrne is a wanted man this summer, with the Monkey Hangers' League Two rivals Tranmere Rovers in talks to land the 29-year-old, sources have exclusively told Football League World.

The Poolies are undergoing somewhat of a rebuild this summer, with new manager Paul Hartley stamping his authority on the squad after replacing Graeme Lee in the dugout.

Fresh faces, mainly from the Scottish leagues, have arrived at Victoria Park, but senior players have departed, with both Luke Molyneux and Timi Odusina already joining fourth tier rivals in Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City respectively.

Striker Omar Bogle has also been linked with Newport County, and Byrne is the latest Hartlepool individual who could be switching sides in League Two.

Byrne, who arrived last summer for an undisclosed fee from Halifax Town, made 40 appearances in the league for Hartlepool last season after penning a two-year contract.

However, Tranmere look set to bring Byrne to Prenton Park, providing they can agree a fee with their divisional rivals, as they aim to secure an experienced defender following the loss of Peter Clarke to Walsall.