With the January transfer window approaching, what centre-back options could Keith Curle look at to regalvanise a struggling Hartlepool United. 

Curle has had to take on the immense, and frankly the almost impossible task of trying to plug the gaps in an already shaky back line and a Pools side that’s been hit with injuries. 

Pools Injuries to the likes of Rollin Menayese, Alex Lacey, Jamie Sterry and Mouhamed Niang had left Hartlepool desperately short of defensive options. 

Giving the Pools boss no choice but to start players out of their usual positions, David Ferguson a key example – having to play the fullback at centre-back. 

Curle has expressed his interests in diving into the free agent market during the January transfer window.

We’ve identified five centre-backs that Curle and Pools should consider to sign this transfer window for free or on even on loan. Here’s who they are…

Paul Downing, Free Agent

First on our list is veteran centre-back Paul Downing. 

Downing played for League One side Portsmouth last season, but with the defender only having two appearances to his name last season with Pompey, he was then sent out on loan to League Two side Rochdale where he made 10 appearances.  

The centre-back was then released by Pompey after his loan spell with The Dale and is currently without a club.

With over 295 games to his name, the 31-year-old could provide Pools with that experience and stability it needs going into a relegation dog fight. 

Joe Maguire, Free Agent

Next on our list is versatile left-back Joe Maguire.

Being the younger brother of Manchester United and England international Harry Maguire, the fullback became a free agent back in June after being released by Tranmere Rovers.

Having come through Liverpool’s youth ranks and has played for Leyton Orient, Fleetwood Town, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Tranmere. 

Although the 26-year-old’s main position is at left-back, Maguire can play at centre-back which would be something Curle could consider with Pools having injuries in many positions this season – versatility would prove to be vital.

Timi Odusina, Bradford City

A familiar face to a lot of Hartlepool fans is centre-back Timi Odusina.

Following the expiration of his contract at Pools, Odusina made the switch from the North East club to fellow League Two side Bradford City. 

Since leaving Pools, Odusina has only made four league appearances for The Bantams which is a dramatic difference compared to last season where Odusina played nearly every game for Pools. 

With the 23-year-old having very little game time this season, a loan move would prove to be beneficial to both Pools and Odusina’s career. 

Jonathan Dinzeyi, Free Agent

Another free agent on this list is 23-year-old centre-back Jonathan Dinzeyi. 

Having come through the ranks at both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur academy’s, Dinzeyi was sent out on loan by Arsenal to fellow League Two side Carlisle United. 

Having only made four appearances for The Cumbrians last season, the centre-back was recalled by The Gunners in January and was then released back in June where he is yet to find a club. 

Although the young centre-back hasn’t had much experience, signing Dinzeyi on top of a few of the other players on this list would help to add more depth to Pools’ squad.

Rhys Bennett, Free Agent

The final player on our list is versatile centre-back Rhys Bennett.

Bennett can play a verity of different positions, being naturally a centre-back he can also play at right-back and as a defensive midfielder.

Having come through Bolton’s youth ranks the defender has played for Falkirk, Rochdale, Mansfield, Peterborough, Carlisle United, Gillingham and Morecombe.  

The 31-year-old was released at the end of the 2021/22 season having made 13 appearances for The Shrimps. 

Having played in League One last season for The Shrimps, Bennett should have no issue going down a division and with the experience he has while also being able to play a verity of positions – he would be an asset to the team. 

Check out the full story published in the Hartlepool Mail: https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united-transfer-news-five-defensive-options-pools-should-consider-in-january-3958814