Nicky Law is already on the case in his search to replace Michael Proctor.

The striker returns to Sunderland tonight at the end of his two-month stay, leaving Law racing against the clock to bring in another loan marksman before Tuesday's trip to Reading.

He has already sounded out a few potential targets but admitted: "It's a bad time of the week to be making enquiries about players because clubs are concentrating on their weekend matches.

"I've put in several phone calls and we're just hoping that something will come off. At the moment we're left with Danny Cadamarteri and Ashley Ward up front with no cover."

Ideally Law is looking for someone young in the mould of Proctor, who has been recalled to the Stadium of Light after Howard Wilkinson blocked City's plans to extend his loan for another month.

One possible target could be Michael Boulding, who Law wanted to bring to City from Grimsby before the financial crisis. Boulding joined Aston Villa instead but has failed to break into the team. He is currently on loan at Sheffield United where his stay was due to run out today.

But Law has dismissed a link with Dr Martens League striker Jamie Clarke.

The 20-year-old Grantham Town forward has been tracked by several league clubs and spent a three-day trial this week with Crewe.

Law said: "We had a look at him once but decided not to take it any further."

l City youngsters Andy Lee and Robert Morgan have joined Farsley Celtic on a month's loan.