Michael Nelson is leaving Hartlepool after turning down the club`s offer of a new contract.

Centre-back Nelson has been a mainstay of the Pools defence for the last six years and has been linked with a host of teams including Norwich, Scunthorpe and Huddersfield.

Director of sport Chris Turner was keen for the 29-year-old to stay at Victoria Park, but confirmed he has decided to look elsewhere.

"I am disappointed Michael has chosen to leave the club but I can understand his decision," Turner told the club`s official website.

"This could be a big time for him to move on and he'll leave the football club with our best wishes after giving us six good years of service."