Town manager Paul Jewell says he is hopeful of making two further additions to his squad on Monday. Those players are likely to be Fulham keeper David Stockdale, who will join on loan, and Arsenal striker or wideman Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.
Speaking after last night’s 1-1 draw at Southend, Jewell wouldn’t be drawn on specific names for fear of jeopardising the deals: "I don’t want to say anything which might upset the clubs we’re dealing with.
"I’m not trying to be evasive but hopefully we’ll have two new players in the building on Monday.
"I have to be respectful. I’ve been in the game long enough and don’t want to say something that people could take offence to and change their minds. But I’ll be disappointed if we don’t have two new players available for the Colchester game.
"One is a loan and one is a permanent signing. When I got on the bus today, as far as I was aware, fees were agreed. Nothing official, but I think I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t progress over the weekend.”
On Thursday, the Blues were linked with a loan move for Stockdale, 25, and with a £1 million permanent deal for 20-year-old Emmanuel-Thomas.
Stockdale seems certain to be the loanee and Emmanuel-Thomas would appear to be the other expected addition, although one report in the local press in South Yorkshire claims Town have confirmed their interest in Ched Evans, but this may just be a reference to Jewell’s comment earlier in the week that Evans is "on the list” when he also said no bid had been made for the Welshman.
Emmanuel-Thomas has not been involved with the Arsenal first team squad in pre-season, but scored two goals in a 9-0 reserves victory at Hastings on Tuesday, having previously netted once in a 3-0 win at Woking. One report claims Burnley and Portsmouth have also had offers accepted by the Gunners.
Leeds were also interested in signing Stockdale on loan but are reported to have been unable to agree a deal with the Cottagers. Swansea recently made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the former York and Darlington man on a permanent basis.
Town are likely to have to pay a loan fee for Stockdale, who was named in two full England squads last season, while Fulham have also insisted on a recall clause.