Garry Monk reveals Cambridge United ‘close’ to completing deal for central midfielder ahead of Wycombe Wanderers’ visit to the Abbey Stadium
Garry Monk has revealed Cambridge United are ‘close’ to completing the signing of a central midfielder who would boost the squad ahead of Saturday’s visit of high-flying Wycombe Wanderers (3pm).
And it is not the only deal the U’s are working on as the clock ticks down to Monday’s winter transfer window closing (11pm) as they look to leave no stone unturned in their bid for survival in Sky Bet League Two.
Two loan arrivals, both strikers, have already been announced this week - in Esapa Osong from Nottingham Forest and ‘primary target’ Dom Ballard from Southampton.
And the U’s boss gave a positive update with where the club are at with adding further to their ranks in his press-match press conference this afternoon.
Asked about any incomings, he replied: “If they come before the game, great, that'd be good for us, but yes, we're working on a couple of things and (are) close to one in particular, so that might happen before the game.
“But we're just focused on what we can control, training today, train tomorrow and get prepared for this game against Wycombe.”
Asked if the player they are closest to completing is a central midfielder, Monk replied: “Yes, like we said from the outset of this window, that's one of the priority positions, so we feel like we're near enough there with one, but it's not over the line yet, so I'm just waiting for the club to confirm that. So hopefully that can happen before the game or happen today or as soon as possible.
“And then obviously there's a couple of other targets and conversations going on, to make sure that we're covered and hit our priority.”
Goalkeeper Marko Maroši had become the U’s first signing of the January window, but the former Plymouth Argyle man suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 3-2 home win against Mansfield Town that saw him had to be replaced by Jack Stevens.
But Monk revealed he is not prioritising bringing in another glovesman, over other targets.
“No, it's not the biggest priority, but like any position, if something comes along
that was right, if there's a keeper in that area that we think is right, of course we'd bring that in,” he said.
“But at this moment in time, it's like I said, it's a real freak one, we weren't expecting to have to do anything, so the other priorities took precedence on that in terms of strikers and midfielders, so that hasn't changed because of what happens with Marco.”
Monk also confirmed he has not had any bids for his players, nor is he expecting any departures before the window closes.
“No, nothing,” he said.
Following the U’s 2-1 defeat at Rotherham United on Tuesday, where they relinquished the lead from Ryan Loft’s 49th-minute opener, Monk’s side lie second bottom in the table and six points from safety ahead of hosting second-placed Wycombe on Saturday.