AFTER sealing two new signings, Scunthorpe United boss Ian Baraclough has admitted his interest in Kilmarnock striker Conor Sammon.

The 24-year-old forward has been in sparkling form for the Scottish Premier League outfit, netting 15 goals in 23 appearances this season.

And with United in desperate need of goals to boost a blunt attacking line, the Telegraph can reveal Sammon is one target on Baraclough's wish-list, with moves for Brighton's Glenn Murray and Bristol Rovers' Will Hoskins stalling somewhat.

Although the United manager would not go as far as to confirm if a bid had been made, he did say an enquiry is lodged with Killie for the Irishman.

"I have seen a fair bit of Kilmarnock and from what I have seen, they have got some good, good players," said Baraclough, who also brushed off speculation linking the club with Millwall midfielder Lewis Grabban.

"There are a lot of good players being linked from that club.

"Conor Sammon is a name that was thrown at me and someone that has been of interest, yes.

"You make phone calls about lots of players.

"You don't expect to have positives on very many of them, certainly not in January.

"You talk about Conor Sammon, he is one that we have enquired about – that is as far as I can say."

Yesterday was a busy day for the Scunthorpe boss as first he signed Abdisalam Ibrahim from Manchester City on loan until the end of the season, and then rubber-stamped a deal for Colchester United defender Paul Reid, for an undisclosed fee, on a two-and-a-half year deal.

"I am relieved because we needed to bring numbers in," added Baraclough.

"Abdi is a young lad from Manchester City who made his debut in the cup against us and he was someone I kept my eye on from then.

"I never thought when I made the call on Thursday that I would be able to tie the deal up within three hours.

"I thought I'd have more competition from other places but I think I got the call in early enough.

"I'd been in contact with Brian Marwood, who sorts out the deals at Manchester City.

"I was in contact with him for several weeks, chasing another player, and all of a sudden I get an injury to Michael O'Connor, don't know how serious it is, so I needed to bolster the numbers in midfield.

"I asked about Abdi and Brian said I have just made a decision about where he is going to go this morning.

"I was lucky because that sort of thing is very, very rare."

Ibrahim penned a deal until the end of the season, with City including a clause which means they can recall the player after the first month should they need to.

But for the midfielder, compared in some circles to Patrick Vieira in playing style, it is a chance to relieve some happy memories.

The 19-year-old has plenty of affection for Glanford Park, after making his first team debut for City in last season’s FA Cup fourth round clash, in which the Iron lost 4-2.

The Norwegian Under-21 played a prominent role in that game, and is hoping to gain more experience in a bid to break into Roberto Mancini’s superstar squad.

“I want to learn a lot because I am still young,” said the Somalia born star.

“I want to get experience and help the club.

“I can learn everything from being in the Championship.

“The manager (Mancini) said to me I needed to get experience and that is why I am here.

“For me to get experience I need to go out on loan and this is the perfect club for me to do that.”

Baraclough will hope his young loanee will add to his solitary display at Glanford Park over the coming months, a year after his first appearance.

“That was my debut and I played really well here,” added Ibrahim.

“That was a big, special day for me because it was against Scunthorpe and it was this time last year.

“Now I am here and I am really happy.”