Talks 'at advanced stage' as Latics eye new faces

MARK MOISLEY: Hoping to make announcement soon

ATHLETIC are on the trail of two new players, including a striker, with talks having reached an "advanced" stage.

It is hoped that the deals - which will ideally be permanent ones, or failing that loans - can be concluded before the squad heads to the University of Bath on Tuesday for a four-day training camp.

"We are speaking to two players this week," said the club's chief executive Mark Moisley. "With both, we are at quite an advanced stage and we hope to be able to make one or two announcements soon."

So far, boss John Sheridan has brought in midfielder Dan Gardner and striker Craig Davies as new signings.

In terms of outfield players, a new left-back is a priority. A move for Rob Hunt, who starred last season on loan from Premier League new boys Brighton, could provide a handy solution to a defensive position that can only be filled in terms of a natural left-footer at present by Jamie Stott.

Sheridan has also stated his intention to attract another forward to complement Davies, Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Darius Osei and Tope Obadeyi.

The other outstanding position is that of goalkeeper. Athletic have had ex-Dundee and Blackpool man Kyle Letheren in for training and other candidates are also being looked at, with the number one spot for the opening friendly at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday to be filled by a couple of trialists.

"OPTIONS"

"We are looking at a few options," said Moisley.

Young Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been linked with a season-long loan at Athletic this week.

There are no plans at the moment to field any outfield trialists for that game at Bower Fold, which is followed up by a second friendly of the summer at Salisbury FC on Wednesday, July 13 (7.45pm kick-off). That game has been designated a 'pay what you want' fixture, with stand transfers and parking costing £1.

n ATHLETIC fans who buy full hospitality, match sponsorship or ball sponsorship for the first Sky Bet League One fixture of the season against Oxford United will receive 50-per-cent off their next hospitality booking for any fixtures in August and September.

To book match day hospitality, contact jenny.warburton@oldhamathletic.co.uk, or for match sponsorships telephone 0161 785 5160 or email commercial@oldhamathletic.co.uk.

* ATHLETIC fans who have bought season tickets can pick up their cards on Monday, July 24.

They will be available from the club's ticket office from 9am.