The pair, believed to be Neil Wainwright and goalkeeper Barry Roche, were understood to be close to putting pen to paper as The Visitor went to press.

Shrimps vice-chairman, Graham Hodgson, said he was hoping to tie up deals for two new players within the next couple of days with even more negotiations still 'ongoing'.

Manager Sammy McIlroy held a meeting with Mr Hodgson on Monday to discuss potential targets and was expecting movement soon.

McIlroy said: "There are things still up and running with getting people in but hopefully in the next few days we will have a few coming through the door."

Wainwright, a right winger released by Darlington – as reported in last week's Visitor – is close to sealing his move.

Roche, the 6ft 5ins Chesterfield keeper, has been first choice since moving from Nottingham Forest two years ago.

McIlroy has been looking for a goalkeeper with only Scott Davies on the club's books following the release of Steven Drench, who has joined Southport.

Mr Hodgson said he was still talking to a young striker and a right-sided defender/midfielder who appeared keen to move to Christie Park.

Fans' messageboards in Scotland hinted that Ryan McCann, of Queen of the South, could be the right-sided player.

Other bids for a midfielder and another striker were also progressing, according to Mr Hodgson.

There was disappointment for the Shrimps, however, with Charlie Macdonald turning down a move to Christie Park, despite Morecambe agreeing a £30,000 fee with Southend.

The striker said he wanted to stay in the south.

Mr Hodgson said: "It is very similar to the Andy Kirk case at Yeovil when the clubs agreed a fee but the player didn't want to move for financial reasons."

And Linfield striker Thomas Stewart is understood to have signed for Derry despite initially agreeing to come to Morecambe for pre-season.
McIlroy said: "He is somebody I have been keeping an eye on but Derry have offered him an unbelievable deal."

* McILROY'S verdict on 'difficult' start to the new season – page 53