Paul Simpson accepts Carlisle United’s remaining transfer work – both in and out – looks likely to go down to the wire on deadline day.
The Blues have previously sought to do their business early and avoid the last-minute rush.
But their eagerness to get one more player in the building – a centre-forward – to help their struggle for League One survival means that things will go into the final hours of the winter window.
And the need for United to trim their squad is likely to see further outgoing movement in the final stages before Thursday's 11pm cut-off.
Carlisle have made six first-team signings this month already but a striker with “physical” attributes is still in their sights.
“Because of the striker situation, [things] might go down to the wire,” said Simpson.
“It may go down to the wire in terms of players leaving as well.”
While United’s striker search tops the incoming wish list, major developments could also come in the shape of Owen Moxon’s proposed move to Portsmouth.
A likely switch for the midfielder is said to be gathering pace, after Moxon’s recent decision to reject the offer of an improved deal at Brunton Park.
Should the 26-year-old seal a move to Fratton Park, it could lead to a quick reunion with Carlisle given that the League One leaders visit United next Saturday, February 10.
Simpson is on record, meanwhile, as saying he wants to “trim” a squad that is top-heavy on numbers.
That could see a number of departures either permanently or in loan moves from the current squad, Joe Garner having already left for Oldham Athletic.
Once 11pm arrives on Thursday, Simpson hopes he will have sufficient quality in his ranks to keep United’s hopes of League One survival alive.
“I am pleased with the players that we've brought in [this month], even though the results are not reflecting that at the moment,” added the manager.
“But I think we’ve brought players in who can make us better. And hopefully in the last 17 games, we'll see better signs of it than we did against Bolton last weekend.”
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