ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman has been in talks with two centre halves and a striker this week.
The boss is keen on a Scottish-based and Northern-based defender and was hoping to strike deals as soon as possible.
He is also hopeful of getting Godwin Antwi back on loan although this won't be known until Liverpool resume training. And he has also been in negotiations with a Southern-based Conference striker.
"I have spoke to all their agents and it is a case of waiting for them to get back to me. Two are free transfers, the other will be a fee," said the manager, who has so far signed midfielder Paul Carden, striker John Miles and goalkeeper Kenny Arthur,
"From what I have got now, I still want five or six players - even if I get these four players I would want paerhaps another striker and a wide player."
Then the manager thinks he will have a team to challenge at the top end of the table - despite bookmakers Betfred tipping Accrington to be involved in another relegation battle - and have them at just 12-1 to get promoted.
"I wouldn't be backing us to go down," said Coleman. " I don't take a lot of notice. It is hard to say how the league will go at the moment as it depends how the teams who have come down fare.
"I think we were one of a pack of around 15 teams last season that were capable of beating each other and finish above each other.
"I don't want to be involved in a relegation scrap this season. I think, with the right players, and with what we learnt last year, we can make the play-offs."
Coleman also has a tricky first round Carling Cup tie to contemplate early on as Stanley face Championship side Leicester City at home on Tuesday 14 August.
"It could have been better but I have come up against their boss Martin Allen in three different competitions now.
"I didn't do too well against him last year when he was at MK Dons as we lost twice but did okay against him when he was at Barnet. I guess you just have to be thankful for a home draw," said the boss.
Chairman Eric Whalley was also pleased that the game will be played at the Fraser Eagle Stadium
"It is a great draw at home. It is another test for us like Nottingham Forest last season. I am sure it will be a good night for the football club.
"We seem to keep bumping into Martin Allen from the Conference onwards."
Stanley have sold around 500 season tickets so far this season and are hoping more will be sold after the fixtures were released yesterday.
The prices are £310.50 for adults in the stand; £269.10 for the terrace; for concessions it is £195.50 for the stand and £165.60 for the terrace.
