PHIL Parkinson reckons the League One transfer market has been shaken up this summer by the "lesser lights" splashing the cash.

Parkinson has landed seven new players and is still looking to push through deals for a second goalkeeper and centre half.

Veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen is in contention to land the keeping role and the City chief is working on his attempt to do a deal with a defender.

Parkinson said: "We're working on that but it takes time, as with every deal.

"I can assure you that will be the same with every club trying to get things completed.

"I've got my theories on why (it's been tougher). A couple of teams in our division raised the bar in terms of money, teams you didn't expect.

"The market went a bit haywire for a while and that's affected the situation.

"I also still think you've got the players who've come out the Championship and earned a lot of money.

"They are reluctant to drop because the gap is so huge between Championship and League One wages, apart from at Sheffield United and Wigan."

Writing in today's Telegraph & Argus pre-season supplement, Parkinson said Bury and Scunthorpe have shifted the goalposts with their ambitious spending.

He added: "We're all excited for this season but we know that it's going to be as competitive as ever. League One is always hard to call.

"We're up against a lot of teams spending a lot of money this summer, which makes it a very competitive market.

"Lesser lights in terms of stature like Bury and Scunthorpe have really upped the ante with wages. They have driven the market up at times and we've found it difficult.

"A lot of clubs have identified this league this year as very open and are trying to have a go."

Parkinson was thrilled to capture Paul Anderson on a two-year deal on Saturday but agrees with the winger that some of the new arrivals will need time to adjust.

He added: "I think Paul will be an excellent addition. He's got good energy, he's a good athlete and he has played most of his career in the Championship.

"He's a very fit lad but he's missed a lot of pre-season a bit like Marshy (Mark Marshall). We're looking to have a decent attacking threat.

"We've just got to get the selections right at this stage to get everybody in good shape for when we get into the real nuts and bolts of the season.

"But we're gradually piecing it together. We're still a few players short of where we want to be but I think we've got quality in the ranks and that's good to see."

* City have been handed a bye in the first round of this season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy, meaning they are scheduled to enter the competition on Tuesday, October 6.