THREE players are on the brink of joining Barrow AFC before tomorrow's trip to Welling United.

Boss Paul Cox has been involved in numerous discussions with a raft of clubs this week, with a final trio now the subject of more intense talks.

The players – a forward, a midfielder and a winger – would all move to Holker Street on loan deals, with two of them currently at Football League clubs.

Cox hopes all three can be snared in time to feature at the National League clash with Welling, though they may be needed by their parent clubs for one last weekend.

“There have been tons of discussions, but nothing concrete has happened yet,” said Cox. “We're hoping to bring in one, two, maybe three before Saturday.

“All three are in different positions. One could go up front, one in midfield and one could play on either flank.

“We've spoken to a number of them. I have cast the net far and wide, but the two or three we are actively pursuing at the minute could look good for Saturday. If not, it could be the early part of next week.

“The bad news and good news is that there are players who have been playing in the Football League, in and around first teams. That's good news for the quality, but bad news that they might be needed for this Saturday before we take them.”

One player Barrow are not currently pursing any further is Lincoln City striker Matt Rhead.

The Bluebirds made a five-figure bid for the 18-goal hitman last week, but it was rejected out of hand by the Imps.

Cox is not readying another bid immediately – with Lincoln boss Chris Moyses having said the last one would only have bought Rhead's left leg – but he is not ruling out looking at him again.

“Never say never,” said Cox. “Just because Lincoln have turned down our initial offer, doesn't mean the deal is dead.

“I will have to speak to the chairman and the board prior to taking it forward in any way. I'm not saying the deal is dead – I will get my round one or two things, speak to the chairman and see what his thoughts are on the situation before we look at the next step.

“That's not just with Matt either, but with other players as well.

“The quality we are looking at is players not just with experience of the Football League, but also of the Conference and of getting promoted from the Conference.

“We brought Andy Parry in, who played about 25 games in Luton's championship-winning side and it's that kind of mindset we are looking for – especially in the forward areas.

“You've got to be looking at forwards who have scored goals at this level, who have experience at this level. The players we have mentioned come into that category.

“What we want to do, if there is a good player who is available in the summer, we want to be talking to them and sitting down with them.”