THE first week of the close season has passed off quietly at Bloomfield Road -- with transfer speculation filling the void left by the lack of news.

Barnsley striker Mike Sheron -- a Pool target in the past -- is the main name in the frame after being released.

Sheron -- a former McMahon colleague at Manchester City -- was given a free transfer by Barnsley after a disappointing spell at Oakwell. His other clubs include Norwich City, Stoke and QPR and Seasiders fans saw him score twice on his last visit to Bloomfield Road in March.

Colin Hendry has also been tipped as a potential signing if he chooses to put off retirement by another 12 months.

Two more long-term targets, Danny Invincible and Jon Newby, are out of contract at Swindon and Bury. Invincible is leaving the County Ground, while Newby wants to stay at Gigg Lane, despite Andy Preece's side missing out in the third division play-offs. Officials are, as always, staying tight-lipped on potential recruits until deals are done.

On the outgoing front, Paul Dalglish is hoping to earn a new deal with third division play-off hopefuls, Scunthorpe.

Also in division three, Paul Simpson's managerial career came to an abrupt end when he left Rochdale after just one season in charge.

The popular ex-Seasider's departure may scupper a potential Spotland move for Ian Hughes, who could return to Bury instead.