Alan Knill has made it clear that League Two is a pool in which the Iron have cast their net when it comes to recruitment this summer. Here, CHRIS SUMPTER looks at players who could realistically be of interest to Scunthorpe United – all of whom are coming to the end of their current deals.

TRANSFER activity is thin on the ground at Scunthorpe United.

But then it is the same almost everywhere when it comes to the dealings of players who are out of contract.

Capturing former Sheffield United youngster Jordan Robertson last week – the Iron's only piece of recruitment so far – is the exception rather than the rule.

That is certain to change inside the next few weeks, as players coming to the end of their current deals are forced to make decisions on their futures.

Given he is working with a reduced budget to that of recent Scunthorpe managers, the free agent market is one in which Alan Knill is looking to do the majority of his work, with League Two a likely hunting ground.

Moves for players at clubs below themselves in the league structure have been hit and miss for United in recent years.

Gary Hooper had only proved himself during a loan stint at Hereford United when he became a £175,000 signing at Glanford Park two years ago. Martyn Woolford too was merely a rough non-league diamond as he left York City.

Both were key figures in an Iron side that was promoted back to the Championship and undoubtedly benefited from a season in the third tier ahead of passing what would be the toughest tests of their careers with flying careers the following year.

Sourcing new talent from League Two may not be an ideal strategy in the eyes of some supporters. But it is a sensible one.

It gives them a better chance of being at the head of the queue of interested clubs, with their record of developing talent and selling it on at a massively inflated figure rivalled by few in the bottom two divisions.

It is also a chance for Knill to add some experience to his ranks, given his stance that any player brought in for a transfer fee is viewed as an investment.

There are more than 300 players listed on the PFA website as being free agents this summer, but that list is cut dramatically when you whittle it down to forwards who have proved their quality in League Two during the past 12 months.

Here are my top picks of who I think would be good buys for the Iron – and fit the remit for the sorts of players the club can realistically attract.

CLAYTON DONALDSON

AGE: 27

POSITION: Striker

CLUBS PLAYED FOR: Hull City, Harrogate Town, Scarborough, Halifax Town, York City, Hibernian, Crewe

CURRENT STATUS: Free agent

RECORD LAST SEASON: Scored 29 goals in 48 appearances

WHY HE'S WORTH A LOOK: Donaldson was League Two's most dangerous strike threat last season – with a goal return matched by few players across any division.

His haul of 29 provided more than a third of Crewe's total goals for the campaign and earned the Yorkshireman the Golden Boot.

Now 27, the former Hull City youngster does not fit into Alan Knill's well-publicised policy of signing players the club can move on at a profit.

But the United boss is not averse to going for experience at the right price – just like he did at Bury last summer when recruiting Ryan Lowe.

Donaldson was a transfer target for the Iron when he was at York City four years ago – but the Minstermen priced him out of a switch to Glanford Park.

Few clubs have a confirmed interest in the pacy front man, though Chesterfield are rumoured to be suitors, making him a player United really ought to be talking to.

HAMZA BENCHERIF

AGE: 23

POSITION: Midfielder or striker

CLUBS PLAYED FOR: Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town

CURRENT STATUS: Out of contract, but would command a fee given his age

RECORD LAST SEASON: Played 46 times, scoring 11 goals

WHY HE'S WORTH A LOOK: Described by the Macclesfield Town website as being able to play at the back or in midfield, it is in a role just behind the striker that Bencherif has played the best football of his career to date.

Strong and powerful, attributes Knill feels are going to be key in League One, the 23-year-old feels he has served his time in the basement division.

At the end of May, with his current deal nearing its end, he said: "I aspire to play at a higher level and test myself against better players."

That is sure to mean a step up to the third tier, with Notts County said to be admirers.

The Algerian, who was born in Paris, would command a fee given the fact he is under 24, but with the potential to easily make the step up, it would be a worthwhile move.

Having been schooled at Nottingham Forest, Bencherif can play a bit too.

BYRON MOORE

AGE: 22

POSITION: Striker or winger

CLUBS PLAYED FOR: Crewe Alexandra, Kidsgrove Athletic

CURRENT STATUS: Out of contract, but Crewe would be due compensation

RECORD LAST SEASON: Scored six goals in 43 appearances

WHY HE'S WORTH A LOOK: Another product of Crewe's rightly-lauded youth set-up, Moore's skill and trickery were one reason why his side ended the season as League Two's top scorers.

Able to play wide or through the middle, he has the versatility and qualities that would make him an ideal target for Scunthorpe – especially given the potential to sell him on at a profit in the future.

The 22-year-old has had a contract offer on the table from Alex since the turn of the year, but the fact he's yet to sign points heavily towards the fact he'll be leaving Gresty Road.

Boss Dario Gradi says there have been no bids for the player – but as he's out of contract, realistically, there doesn't have to be, even though the club will be due a fee.

Moore's failure to hit double figures may put a few clubs off, but his potential to provide goals for others will not have been overlooked.

ANDY BARCHAM

AGE: 24

POSITION: Winger or striker

CLUBS PLAYED FOR: Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient, Gillingham

CURRENT STATUS: Free agent

RECORD LAST SEASON: Played 26 games, scoring six goals

WHY HE'S WORTH A LOOK: Has told Gillingham he won't be staying at the Priestfield Stadium next term because he 'sees himself playing in League One' according to Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler.

Primarily a winger, who can also operate through the middle, Barcham is as useful off the ball as on it, with a tenacity to quickly win back possession should his side lose it.

Born in Essex, whether he would fancy a move north is likely to come into whether he's a serious target for United and he probably lacks the consistency to go straight into the first team in the third tier.

Having been a product of the Spurs Academy though, the 24-year-old clearly has talent and as he's available on a free transfer, it's a risk a few clubs would no doubt be happy to take.

Crystal Palace were said to be tracking the winger in January, but their interest has reportedly cooled, leaving the door ajar for the likes of Leyton Orient this summer.

CHRIS HOLROYD

AGE: 24

POSITION: Striker

CLUBS PLAYED FOR: Chester City, Cambridge United, Brighton, Stevenage, Bury

CURRENT STATUS: Free agent

RECORD LAST SEASON: Failed to score in one start and four sub appearances for Brighton, but notched six goals in 12 games at Stevenage and one in four at Bury.

WHY HE'S WORTH A LOOK: Not strictly a League Two player having been released by Brighton last month, but the fact he played most of his football in the basement division last term means he qualifies.

Averaging a goal every two games at Blue Square Premier League side Cambridge, Holroyd has failed to kick on since joining Brighton in January 2010.

Manager Gus Poyet has proved he has an eye for talent though and feels the young striker will flourish in a 'different environment'.

As well as an impressive record at Stevenage last term, the Cheshire-born poacher also spent a spell on loan at Bury – where he was one of Alan Knill's final signings in charge of the Shakers.

With that in mind, don't be surprised if he gets another shot at League One under another boss who clearly holds him in high regard.

NICKY LAW

AGE: 23

POSITION: Winger or midfielder

CLUBS PLAYED FOR: Sheffield United, Yeovil Town, Bradford City, Rotherham United

CURRENT STATUS: Out of contract, but would command a fee

RECORD LAST SEASON: Played 50 matches, which produced four goals

WHY HE'S WORTH A LOOK: Widely-reported to be one of Alan Knill's main summer targets, the Iron boss has stopped short of confirming an interest in Law, though has rated him on record as 'a very good player'.

A look at the winger's stats from the past couple of seasons appear to back that claim up.

Although happiest in the middle of the park, Law's build means he is better suited out wide, where his trickery and guile have made him one of the first names on Rotherham's team sheet.

Last season he produced an impressive 12 assists for the Millers and he has been voted into the PFA League Two team of the year in both 2010 and 2011.

Rotherham say two clubs have made bids for the ex-Sheffield United trainee – who was in the same youth team as new Iron signing Jordan Robertson.

One of those is a club in League Two, thought to be Crawley, and the other League One.