PAUL Cox is making transfer market progress in his pursuit of two defenders to round out his squad for the final months of the season.

The Barrow AFC boss says there is a chance one could be signed up and on board before Saturday's trip to National League Aldershot, though it appears more likely his last transfer business for the season will be completed after the journey to Hampshire.

Cox has brought in strikers Inih Effiong – in contention for his Bluebirds debut against the Shots – and Shaun Tuton – who made his AFC bow against Kidderminster last weekend – as well as midfielder Jack Thomas in the past few weeks.

But now he is focusing on adding extra strength to the back line, where he has only five players covering four positions at present.

“We're making progress all the time – not just with the loans, but with deals that could be permanent,” said Cox.

“We knew it was going to take a little bit of extra time to get something agreed, and it has been that way.

“At some point, there will be some movement with one or two. That's the area – not that we didn't concentrate on it before – where we are looking.

“As good players become available, sometimes you have to pick the ones to prioritise. It's defenders now, and if we can get one or two in to strengthen the squad, then at some point the door will shut and we'll be left with a group of players I want to go on with and attack the rest of the season.”

Cox is wary of expecting too much progress too soon, having seen previous targets snatched from his grasp at the final minute – such as winger Kaiyne Woolery, who went to Forest Green Rovers on loan from Wigan Athletic just 24 hours after seeming destined for Holker Street.

He added: “There could be the possibility that some come in before this weekend. Talks are ongoing now, they are being passed on from level to level.

“The positive we have now is that these Football League players can't go to other Football League clubs, they have to come down to this level. But everyone is looking for good players, and when we do enquire about a good one, you can guarantee that our competitors will be speaking about him as well.

“It's amazing the football grapevine, how other clubs always find out if you are in for somebody, and how they can suddenly become interested.”