Mansfield Town

The news was disclosed this morning at the manager’s weekly news conference at One Call Stadium.

Cox has highlighted the need for a frontman after seeing his side struggle to get on the scoresheet in recent games.

 “I’m extremely close [to signing a new striker],” said the manager.  “We’ve been casting our net afar over the last few weeks.

“It’s not rocket since to work out that we’ve not scored a goal in the last three games. 

“We should have won the game [on Saturday against Plymouth], but you need someone who can put the ball in the net, it’s as simple as that.

“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t try to improve us and to improve us we need a natural goalscorer.”

Cox will add a new striker to his squad in time for this Friday’s trip to Southend, and is currently speaking to a young Premier League player with a view to a loan move. 

“Nothing is done and dusted yet. He’s at a Premiership club and he’s very well thought of by a lot of people in the game. 

“We should have someone in, if not by the close of play today, then by Friday’s match [at Southend].

“Hopefully we can get someone in to help the squad. That would be the phrase I would use. We just need that bit extra in certain areas to help us out at the minute.”