i think they might have tabled an offer for Porter and are crossing their fingers
I read a report either on the Hartlepool United site or in their local paper that it was rumoured that there was a pre contract agreement.
IMO, as there was still a couple of months of the season left at that time, nothing had been announced because it may have jeopardised Porter's chances of getting game time - more so because I read Porter and the manager aren't best mates!