Town were reportedly amongst a host of clubs represented at Grimsby’s Blundell Park on Saturday to catch Mariners’ striker Liam Hearn in action. West Brom, Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Leeds and Scunthorpe United are also said to have been running the rule over the 26-year-old frontman.
Hearn joined Grimsby from Alfreton Town for £30,000 on a three-year deal in the summer and since then has scored 25 goals in 35 games, including 23 in 30 in the Blue Square Bet Premier.
The 5ft 11in tall frontman picked up the Blue Square Bet North Player of the Year award last season while with Alfreton, where he had spent three years. Hearn, an England C call-up but without winning a cap, was with Hucknall Town, Eastwood Town, Chasetown and Quorn prior to his spell with the Derbyshire club.
Given the Nottingham-born striker’s goals tally for the season so far it’s little surprise that Hearn is attracting interest, but Grimsby are determined to hold on to him, releasing a statement to that effect at the weekend: "With the January transfer window closing on Tuesday, the directors of Grimsby Town Football Club would like to reiterate they are absolutely committed to holding on to Liam Hearn at all costs — irrespective of substantial interest in the player."
Grimsby beat AFC Telford United 2-0 with Hearn helping to create the second goal.