Keith Alexander has made bids for two strikers -and has not ruled out a deal for current trialist Marcus Richardson.

The director of football has had an exhausting search for a front-man, with bids for Simon Yeo and Drewe Broughton falling by the wayside in recent weeks.

But Alexander hopes to have the right player in place by the start of the season - and admits he has been impressed by the efforts of his former Lincoln City charge, 29-year-old Richardson.

"We have a couple of bids in at the moment. Whether players come in on a free, on loan or for money is irrelevant at this stage - it is just about getting the right type of player," Alexander said. "Marcus wasn't on my list at the start of pre-season, but he is now because he has worked very hard.

"We are well furnished with smaller strikers, we have the likes of Glyn Hurst, Domaine Rouse and Andy Managan - but apart from Bishop, we do not have what you would term a target man.

"He needs cover, but more importantly, he needs competition."

Richardson most recently played for Crawley, but contacted Alexander to ask for a trial two weeks ago.

He played against Blackpool last Saturday, and could be an option, said Alexander.

"Marcus rang me and asked if we could take a look at him," he added.

"He did very well for me at Lincoln a few years back and he is a useful player.

"We are in the market for forwards, but clubs do not want to let their players go at this stage of the season."