STANLEY target Mark Hughes has joined League One side Walsall.

At Thursday’s Fans Forum, Reds assistant boss Jimmy Bell was saying how he would love to sign the 22-year-old defender - who has been pre-season training with Stanley - but admitted his wages could be the stumbling block.

And ex-Northampton centre half Hughes, who Stanley made a £20,000 bid for from Everton in 2007, left Stanley’s boot camp in Colchester earlier this week to sign for the Saddlers, with Crewe also chasing him.

It’s one target off the list but manager John Coleman is still looking at a host of players as he seeks to beef up his squad.

Most of last season’s squad offered contracts have now signed up with only left back Chris King outstanding.

Former loanee Michael Symes, a striker from Shrewsbury, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal adding to Dean Winnard and Luke Joyce who have joined the Reds.

The Stanley chief is now though trying to track down a goalkeeper, having just Ian Dunbavin at the club, and is chasing three.

One is Leeds United’s young stopper Alan Martin and another is Tottenham’s David Button, an England Under 20 keeper who has been on loan at Grays, Rochdale, Bournemouth, Luton and Dagenham. There is also the possibility of a keeper who has played in Scotland, recommended by ex-Reds goalie Kenny Arthur.

Meanwhile, Coleman says he is happy if star striker Paul Mullin is staying, despite being on the transfer list. Macclesfield Town did make an initial enquiry but there have been no further moves for the Reds’ frontman.

"Paul’s wages take up a chunk of our budget but, if he stays, it is not a problem," said Coleman. "Everyone knows what Paul is and he has still got a lot to offer. He has come back in great shape and 100 per cent committed.

"We have two strikers at the club in Paul and Michael Symes now and I think we need another two strikers. Most teams have four to freshen things up and we want to mix and match.

"Paul has never had someone breathing down his neck and I think Michael will do this as they are both target players.

"We still need two strikers, two defenders and a goalkeeper and then I will be happy."


* STANLEY begin their pre-season friendlies at Maidstone tomorrow at the end of a gruelling week where they have been training with the army. Then they take on UniBond side Burscough at Victoria Park on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).