Peter Taylor is on the goal hunt as his promotion recruitment plans near completion.

Taylor’s summer shopping so far has bolstered the back four with the addition of former loanees Robbie Threlfall and Luke Oliver.

Luke O’Brien signed a new deal on Monday, while Simon Ramsden will follow suit in the next couple of days.

Tommy Doherty’s impressive capture will add backbone to City’s midfield and with Michael Flynn and Lee Bullock both on board for another two years, the engine room looks sorted.

Now the City boss has turned his attentions to further up the pitch as he looks to bring in competition to last season’s top scorer James Hanson and Gareth Evans.

Taylor said: “The squad is taking shape nicely but I feel we still need another couple. I’m looking for another attacking midfield player or striker.

“I think I’ve got one in my sights but that doesn’t mean we will get him. You just have to see what develops, so there’s more than one that I’m speaking to.”

Taylor will not disclose any targets but there are plenty of players to choose from. The surplus of free transfers among the lower divisions increases every year as clubs tighten their belts.

He said: “That’s always going to happen from now. Unless the financial situation changes all of a sudden, clubs are going to sign players on a lot shorter contracts than before.

“People used to sign for three years but that’s quite unusual now at our level. It’s more likely to be one-year contracts with an option for the club to keep them on if they play so many games.

“You have to be careful. Nothing is more important than the long-term security of the football club.”

Meanwhile, young defender Louis Horne has signed a one-year deal to stay at the club.