TRANMERE’S recruiting drive this week may not be limited to the acquisition of a striker and a left back to aid the battle for League One survival.

Manager Les Parry is aiming to secure his principal targets early – so there is still time for some wheeling and dealing before the deadline for emergency loan signings expires on Thursday evening.

Parry is prepared to release selected players currently on the payroll to other clubs and so create an opportunity to introduce more new faces.

The next few days are liable to be a hectic time as the physio turned manager takes a last opportunity to shape the squad that can keep Tranmere clear of the relegation places.

Parry said: “I’m hoping to get a striker and a left back in early in the week. If we get the players in early it will give other clubs a chance to have a look at our players and see if any of those who are not involved in the first team at the moment are available.

“If we make our signings at the last minute it will leave no time for other clubs to approach us for our players.”

However, Parry insists many of the current squad remain off-limits as far as being released to other clubs is concerned.

“There are players we are not prepared to let go,” Parry said. “Even among the ones who are not in our first team at the moment, there are some we are not prepared to let go because it would leave us short in those positions.”

Parry has money to spend thanks to the £11,500 donation from fans through the “Les Aid” initiative together with funds provided by the board of directors at Prenton Park.

Some cash is earmarked for the left back spot to cover the absence of the suspended Zoumana Bakayogo and Aaron Cresswell in Saturday’s visit to Brighton.

The larger part of the kitty will be spent on a striker. Parry admits finding that the right man at the right price, in terms of wage costs over the final 10 games of the season, has proved difficult.

“The problem with looking for a striker is that everyone else is looking for one as well,” Parry said.

“We stopped looking for a goalscorer a long time ago because no one is prepared to let an out and out goalscorer go to another club. So we have been looking for someone who complements what we have already got.

“We are looking at a skilful striker who can bring other players into the game or a big striker who could hold the ball up – although we do have Bas Savage back from injury now.”

Parry is helpful Ian Thomas-Moore will shake off the knee injury that kept him out of last Friday’s goalless draw with Hartlepool Prenton Park.

The skipper missed training yesterday and underwent a scan on the knee over the weekend.

Parry plans to give around half a dozen of his squad, largely those who were not involved in the Hartlepool game, a run in a Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Macclesfield at Prenton Park tomorrow evening. Kick-off is 7pm.

“Will be putting about six pros out,” Parry said. “It is important not to be dragged into thinking that we are coming to the end of the season and players need a rest. That just impacts on the performance of the players on a Saturday.”