Colin Todd has missed out on one of his top loan targets.

The City boss is chasing a new striker in time for Saturday's clash with bottom club MK Dons, although Steve Claridge, pictured, is on stand-by if he cannot get his man.

With Dean Windass banned until April 1, Todd has been working down his extensive list of contacts to find a short-term replacement.

But his hopes took a blow last night when a top-flight club blocked his bid for one of their youngsters.

Todd said: "It's disappointing that another door has closed. The lad concerned won't be playing first-team football for them but they were still reluctant to let him out in case of injuries.

"I'm still trying to have somebody in by Saturday. Five games is a long period and it would help us all.

"But let's not panic about the situation. Sometimes it doesn't happen and if it's not to be then I will utilise Claridge or Joe Brown.

"We've also got Steve Schumacher back and Owen Morrison played in the reserves yesterday. Hopefully he's on his way back at a time when I'm short of bodies."

Claridge has not started for four games since the goalless draw with Tranmere. He was an unused sub in the last two.

Todd added: "I'm not going to take a person in just for the sake of it. I've targeted people from Premier League clubs who've already been out on loan as well as some of the younger element.

"There are a lot of talented young characters playing in the reserves who are good enough.

"There is the opportunity for people to come for a month and get the chance of playing games.

"Andrew Taylor came here from Middlesbrough and fitted in straight away. Hopefully we can get another young lad like that and get the rewards."