Walsall defender Gary Liddle set to extend Hartlepool loan until the end of the season

The 33-year-old's deal with the National League side was due to end next week but both clubs are now set to announce a deal that will keep Liddle up north until the end of the current campaign.

Although the club have yet to officially confirm the move, manager Darrell Clarke reaffirmed the reports and wished the player well.

"Gary's a model professional, I know the lad well," he said.

"We wish him well.

"I think it's the right thing, I think his family are up that way.

"He's built an important part of the culture at the football club to be honest with you.

"The fans probably didn't see the best of him on the pitch.

"But he's certainly a model professional and we wish him well at Hartlepool."

Speaking to the Hartlepool Mail, manager Dave Challinor also confirmed a deal had been reached and insisted he was keen to keep Liddle with his squad next season.

“Lidds will be here to the end of the season in principle, it’s been agreed with Walsall,” he said.

“It’s a positive one because he’s enjoyed his time here and settled in really, really well and been a big plus for us.

“We’ll have him with us until the end of the season and then see where we are with him moving forward.

"He’s one who I’ve spoken about for next year and if something can be sorted then it’s definitely something we’ll look at.”