COLIN Todd is refusing to take 'non' for an answer in his bid to sign a second France-based striker.

The Wanderers boss has tied up the loan arrangement that brings Swiss u-21 international Gaetano Giallanzo to the Reebok from FC Nantes for the rest of the season.

Now he is trying to clinch a follow-up deal after a secret cross-channel spying mission.

Todd, who has denied making a second attempt to sign Celtic striker Tommy Johnson, travelled to France last Thursday to see the un-named target in action, confirming earlier reports from his chief scout Dave Coates.

"I made a bid for the player but I've just got word that our offer has been rejected," he revealed this morning. "But that's not necessarily the end of the matter.

"We could still agree a transfer fee and have him here before the deadline. Dave Coates recommended I have a look at him and I liked what I saw. He's 6ft 1ins, knows his job and gets in the box."

Todd remains 'hopeful' of landing a second signing to strengthen his survival squad before Thursday's 5pm cut-off point.

Giallanzo, a 23-year-old who joined Nantes from Swiss club Basle for £1.2 million last summer, has been earmarked for a debut in Saturday's home game against Leicester City, when top scorer Nathan Blake serves a one-match suspension. But a second new arrival would present the manager with an interesting selection dilemma.

Wanderers could need strike cover beyond this weekend with record signing Dean Holdsworth currently on seven bookings, one away from a second suspension of the season.

Tickets for Wanderers home game against Blackburn on Easter Saturday (April 11) go on sale to members and Lifeline members on Thursday and on open sale from Monday.

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