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!
Reminds me of a great scene from BASEketball:
Remer: What's that?
Coop: It's a commitment ring.
Remer: What, for Jenna?
Coop: Yeah. I'm letting her know that I'm ready to consider thinking about dating her exclusively.
Remer: [reaches up into his clothing stall and pulls down his own little box] Well I'm giving Jenna a pre-commitment ring. It's a promise to pledge that we'll think about getting engaged just as soon as we're ready to make a commitment.
Coop: You know what- what the hell are you talking about?? You don't care about Jenna! You were just in the hot tub naked with Victoria Silvstedt, Playmate of the Year!