Wanderers boss Colin Todd wants to continue his summer recruitment drive by bringing in a new striker before the start of the season.

With £4million already invested in defenders Neil Cox and Robbie Elliott, Todd now resumes his search for a front man.

He admits he is no closer to getting his man than when the search began some time ago.

But his attention is now focused on providing the quality competition for John McGinlay and Nathan Blake that Wanderers need for their assault on the Premiership which gets underway next month.

The speculation machine has been revving up with Andy Cole the latest to be linked - and dismissed by the Wanderers manager.

Manchester United yesterday issued a 'hands off' warning and Todd confirmed: "He is not somebody I have enquired about and Man United would not let him go anyway.

"The position has always been a priority and hopefully somebody might be available for us soon."

While Wanderers are clearly light on striker options, the squad is coming together behind the front line with £1.5million Cox and yesterday's record £2.5million signing Elliott plugging the full back slots which have long been seen as the two problem positions.

Todd is being seen to be adopting a slow but sure policy of building a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge on consolidating their place in the big time at the second attempt.

The Elliott deal required time and patience to be completed and Wanderers will maintain the same measured approach in their search for fresh blood up front.

Wanderers players were enjoying the last day of their summer break today as they prepare to begin pre-season training tomorrow.

The ticket office ends a month of extended opening tomorrow when it reverts to the normal opening hours of 9.30am-5.30pm weekdays and 9.30am-3pm Saturdays with no Sunday opening.

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