'Encouraging signs' as Scunthorpe United manager Brian Laws looks to strengthen Iron squad

SCUNTHORPE United hope to bring in a new face ahead of next week's transfer deadline for Football League clubs.

Manager Brian Laws says he has had 'encouraging signs' in his bid to strengthen the Iron squad before the window for making loan signings closes on Thursday, March 21.

Laws won't disclose in which position he is keen to recruit, but he has confirmed it is an area that he has been looking to strengthen for a while.

"I am trying to do something, but I have always been trying to do something," the Scunthorpe boss told the Telegraph.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

"There is a massive amount to play for and if we can bring somebody in, it will strengthen our hand.

"I can't guarantee that it is going to happen, but I'd be disappointed if it doesn't because I've had encouraging signs.

"Unfortunately the financial side of things is dictating what we can do.

"We are currently trying to bring in a player to strengthen our squad prior to the deadline."

Laws has hinted any new face is unlikely to have much, if any, league experience, similar to his last two forays into the loan market.

Neither striker James Alabi (Stoke City) or Norwegian Under-21 international Eirik Holmen Johansen – who agreed a month's stay at Glanford Park from Manchester City last week – had played any first-team football prior to joining Scunthorpe, but both are highly rated by their respective Premier League clubs.

As the Iron have little room for manouvre when it comes to finance, Laws' avenues of recruitment are limited.

"I have to manufacture any deals myself – I've not asked the board for any more money," stressed the United manager.

"I will be asking for financial support from parent clubs.

"If I can bring a player in on a similar situation to Eirik and young James Alabi then there's a chance of it being okay.

"But it's about having to pull favours at the moment, particularly as there are areas I feel we need to look at.

"I'm not going to reveal that position, but it's something I've been itching to try to do.

"At this late stage though, clubs are holding on to players, particularly the better ones, because they have got their own agendas.

"There's very little being let out towards that deadline, unless their clubs have got nothing to play for."