Linfield's leading goalscorer Peter Thompson has seven NI caps

Hartlepool United have joined Stockport County and Norwich City in the race to sign Linfield striker Peter Thompson.

The English First Division side, who are managed by former Northern Ireland midfielder Danny Wilson, declared their interest on Wednesday night.

However, the Canaries are believed to have tabled a bid for Thompson after contacting the Blues on Tuesday.

The offer is thought to improve the �100,000 tabled by Stockport but the League One side may yet up their bid.

The Linfield Board are due to meet on Thursday morning to discuss the future of Thompson.

Jeffrey said on Tuesday that he was resigned to losing his top scorer.

"It would not be morally right to even think about standing in Peter's way," said manager Jeffrey.

"He has served us fantastically well and was the first to turn full-time.

"He made a career decision then and wants to play at the highest level he possibly can and he is in the final year of his contract with us.

"It will leave us with a massive hole to try to fill but he goes with our blessing and the club wants to facilitate a smooth passage for him.

Thompson, who has seven international caps, had previously been linked a possible move to Kilmarnock while Hibs and Motherwell were also reported to be interested.

It is believed Stockport have offered around �100,000 plus add-ons for Thompson.

Thompson netted 44 times last season to help Linfield claim a third successive league and cup double.

Jeffrey praised Stockport for the way they had handled the negotiations.

"They have been professional about it and the fact that their manager and chief executive broke off from a pre-season training trip in Italy to come to Belfast shows their desire for Peter," he added.

"Stockport have made a verbal offer which is to be followed up in writing and it will then be considered by Linfield on Wednesday."