CITY are bracing themselves for a long deadline day in their attempt to bring in one more striker.

Kristian Dennis of Chesterfield is still their leading target going into the final hours of the transfer window.

But the club do have other players in mind if they are unable to prise away League Two's second-top scorer from the Spireites.

Chesterfield are continuing to reject City's advances but the strong interest remains in a player who has scored 15 goals in a team fighting to avoid the drop into non-League football.

Boss Jack Lester, a former team-mate of Stuart McCall's at Sheffield United, is adamant that Dennis will not be going anywhere unless they have a replacement sorted. Chesterfield fans otherwise fear history could repeat itself.

A year ago they allowed two main players, Jay O'Shea and Gboly Ariyibi, to leave just before the January deadline without cover. Chesterfield won only two of their final 18 games and were relegated after finishing bottom.

But Lester, a huge favourite at the club, is digging his heels in over 27-year-old Dennis. With Chesterfield so reluctant to lose their best player, City's pursuit could go right to the wire at 11pm.

Head of recruitment Greg Abbott has therefore drawn up alternatives – but it is likely to be a hectic day when things could suddenly switch from the knock-on effect of other deals.

City last week brought in German target man Kai Bruenker with the aim of sharing the load with Charlie Wyke, who has not been the subject of any concrete interest elsewhere up to now.

Yet they still feel there is room for a predatory goal-scorer before the end of a transfer window that has proved a real strain at Valley Parade.

City have been accused of leaving all their business to the last minute – but McCall revealed some of the frustrations they have had in the mid-season market.

"Agents will come on telling us they can get players out of clubs," he said.

"When you get that info, you think 'yeah, we're interested'. Then you go to the club and they tell you there's not a chance.

"Like everything in life, I know some really good agents. But there are others just out to make money – and a way to do that is to get moves."

Tony McMahon joined in with the first part of training yesterday as he eased his way back in after four weeks out with a thigh injury.

It is understood there has been no hint so far of Scunthorpe coming back in with a revised offer for the right back after City flatly refused their initial bid at the start of the month.

Providing he does not lose any defenders, McCall appears happy to go with what he has got at the back for the rest of the season.

Adam Thompson's return to Bury has been compensated by the arrival of Ryan McGowan, who plays right-side centre half as much as right back.

With the option of skipper Romain Vincelot as well, McCall believes there is enough cover in the middle.

Stephen Warnock adds further competition at full back to go with the fit-again Adam Chicksen.

McCall hopes the money saved from paying half of Thompson's considerable Bury wages can be factored into the recruitment budget.

City may also look at midfield but are undecided on whether to pursue another winger.

Alex Gilliead is a "major" doubt for Saturday's trip to Oldham with his hamstring problem, although it is only expected to keep him out in the short term.