BARROW AFC are close to signing former Carlisle loan right-back Matt Young and Barrovian attacking midfielder Elliot Newby on one-year deals – two of five new captures in the pipeline.

Bluebirds boss Darren Edmondson even hopes the young duo agree terms ahead of Barrow’s friendly clash at Chorley tonight (7.45pm kick-off) – with only ‘small things’ to be ironed out.

Former Carlisle right winger Dave Symington is also in line to earn a deal and Barrovian prospects Brad Carroll – the ex-Huddersfield right-back – and Danny Eccles – the former Carlisle keeper – could seal 12-month deals this week, with negotiations continuing.

The 19-year-old Newby – a former Bolton Wanderers youngster – is set to join twin brother Alex in Edmondson’s squad, while 21-year-old Young will become a Bluebird after being released by Sheffield Wednesday.

Commenting on Newby, Edmondson said: “Elliot needs work on his game but he has surprised us with some of his performances.

“We’re trying to nurture his enthusiasm and his desire to do well for the football club just needs to be channelled in the right way.

“That’s just about a bit of match practice, match understanding and a little bit of positional specific work.

“Just like his brother, Elliot has got tremendous enthusiasm to play for this club.

“His fitness levels are supreme and his technical ability is very good.

“He’s come from pro football clubs who have never spoken to him about diets or strength and conditioning work.

“He’s learning all of the time, he’s really enjoying it so hopefully we can get something done before Wednesday’s game.

“He’s got a bright future in football – not just here.

“I think he can go and play higher once we can get him to learn the game as he’s playing it a little bit better. But he’s just a lad so that will arrive. What we don’t want to do is stifle his enthusiasm and desire.”

Symington – who can also play at right-back and in central midfield – should land a short-term contract after completing his last sessions of rehabilitation at St George’s Park this week, after suffering a dislocated knee cap last season.

Symington will hope to get the green light to step up his training after his injured leg is assessed and, if all goes well, Edmondson hopes to put a deal together next week, having held talks with the player throughout the summer.

Edmondson added: “I’ve said to Dave that I’d help him as much as we could and that the club would stand by him on the understanding that he signs for us when he’s fit and it will potentially be a short-term deal that suits both of us. And then if both parties like what they see then we’ll extend it.

“I think Dave may have potentially got offers from the Football League because he did well for Carlisle. But I got him in early, he’s liked it here, he’s appreciated what we’ve done for him and he’s worked very hard.

“So hopefully that will stand us in good stead and we’ll be able to get some pen on paper next week, get him tied up short-term, continue with his rehab and get him playing.”

With attacking duo Adam Dawson and Lewis Guy, plus centre-back Danny Parslow, now off Edmondson’s radar, the boss is seeking to recruit a striker to serve as cover for Anthony Wilson, who is recovering from his latest knee cartilage surgery, which he underwent last Thursday.

Edmondson says Wilson’s operation went well, but the hit-man faces several weeks on the sidelines.

On his search for a striker, Edmondson said: “We’re just looking at one or two potential loans and there are still out-of-contract people who are on trial at other clubs. It’s an important one but we’re not in a rush to do it, but I’d like one in just to cover while Wilson does his rehab.

“So it maybe the loan market is potentially the best option. I don’t foresee anybody with any quality that would come in and sign a short-term contract.

“But we might have one or two in on trial next week. I’m not sure yet.”