Additional attacking recruits could be on their way to Scunthorpe United, with boss Alan Knill revealing his January shopping is not yet over.

The sale of Chris Dagnall to Barnsley has freed up considerable funds for the Iron boss.

And though he has brought in Connor Jennings from Stalybridge Celtic, Knill says there is 'plenty in the pipeline' when it comes to further transfer window activity – with another forward player being a priority.

"We've lost Dags but Connor's come in and obviously we've got Bobby (Grant) and Thommo (Garry Thompson)," he said.

"And we are in the process of looking for more strength at the top end of the pitch.

"Hopefully we'll get that pretty soon.

"There's plenty in the pipeline, whether that happens is another thing.

"There wasn't really too much we could do about losing Dags.

"Once Barnsley came in, I think Dags made it clear he wanted to go. It's one of those things.

"But it gives us a chance to use his wages – he was the highest wage earner.

"I wish him all the best.

"He's working with someone who knows him really well in Keith Hill (Dagnall's boss at former club Rochdale), so good luck to him.

"Once a Championship club comes in for a player it's kind of difficult to keep them.

"We felt it was probably the best move for everybody that Dags went to Barnsley."

Knill is also hopeful of welcoming back defender Shane Duffy to Glanford Park.

The Everton centre-back was recalled by his parent club this week due to an injury crisis ahead of their FA Cup tie with Tamworth, but could return to Scunthorpe in time for next week's trip to Colchester United.

"He got called back when they lost Phil Jagielka," said Knill.

"It's a bit of a blow, but we may have him back.

"He's gone back as cover, so we'll have to wait and see on that one.

"We are hoping to have him back for Colchester.

"I spoke to David Moyes but he couldn't really do anything about it.

"He's on a youth loan so they can always go back and play for their parent club and then come back after that, so we are hopeful but we'll have to wait and see."

Additionally, the futures of Manchester United duo Sam Johnstone and Oliver Norwood will be decided in the next few days.

"Sam's loan is up next week and we're going to make a decision on that then," said Knill.

"Oli's loan is up and we're in the process of trying to make a decision on that.

"We're hopeful we'll come to a conclusion pretty soon."