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IT could be all change up front for Aldershot Town on Saturday as boss Terry Brown waits to see whether an on-going deal for Aaron McLean will be sealed before the weekend, writes Rebekah Wheller.
As the News went to press on Wednesday, the boss confirmed that two clubs were vying for McLean's signature, and the young striker had only to agree personal terms with the clubs.
Conference side Canvey Island are firm favourites to get the 21-year-old's signature, although Conference South leaders Grays Athletic have been chasing McLean for some time and have the resources to outbid their Essex neighbours.
But while the pair battle it out for his signature with Brown open to offers, the striker is desperate to stay at the Recreation Ground, and fight for his first team place.
“The problem is the same as it always has been since I've been here and it is that players don't want to leave the Rec, and I can understand that and appreciate that and we have to deal with it accordingly,” said Brown.
“Whether he will be available for Saturday I don't know yet. I didn't expect him to be here yesterday, I didn't expect him to be here today but he is still here and if he is around on Saturday he will always do his best for the club.”
If a deal is done, however, it could mean the boss has just two strikers available for the trip to Morecambe, although Brown is working on strengthening the squad further before the weekend trip. It's frustrating because until I've got someone out I can't get anyone in.
“James Peters did well for us on Tuesday night but he is an Ash player. They kindly let him play on Tuesday, and have agreed to let him play again next Tuesday.
“I have also got an eye on the date because if we get someone in after February 15 we can keep them until the end of the season.
“Prior to that, we could get a really good player in, get in the Play-Offs then lose the lad,” added Brown.
There is no movement with the other transfer-listed duo, however. Chris Giles played in his regular centre-half slot in the GLS Cup victory over Exeter on Tuesday night, while Hugh McAuley has a hamstring injury and is receiving treatment in his native Liverpool.
McAuley, thought to be a target of former club Forest Green Rovers, is expected to be back in contention for the Shots on Saturday but Brett Johnson (back) and Dwain Clarke (calf) are likely to remain sidelined.
Despite that, the boss will have some of his key men back for the long trip up north having rested them from the action in the GLS Cup on Tuesday night.
“Hopefully the ones we've rested will have their batteries fully charged,” he added.
Those concerned are Jon Challinor, who endured a hard day's night at the Rec on Tuesday and defensive duo Darren Barnard and Ray Warburton. Will Antwi will also be back in the line-up on Saturday alongside Tarkan Mustafa.
On the other hand, Martin Reeves picked up a knock on Tuesday night and is struggling to make the trip, and has yet to put pen to paper as Brown continues to negotiate with the youngster's agent.
With thanks to the Aldershot News.