Shrewsbury Town on the hunt for a forward

It is believed that Town are interested in recruiting a centre-forward to replace Carlton Morris, whose loan from Norwich City ended at the end of last season.

Askey is keen to add one more goal-getter to the ranks on top of Stefan Payne, Fejiri Okenabirhie and Lenell John-Lewis.

It is understood Askey is then looking for two central midfielders and two goalkeepers to finish assembling his Town squad.

Town are in talks with a couple of midfield targets, with Tranmere midfielder Oliver Norburn reportedly the subject of significant interest. Askey will replace Abu Ogogo and last season’s loanee Ben Godfrey, providing competition for Jon Nolan, Sam Jones and Bryn Morris in the middle of the park.

Shrewsbury will today begin looking at a new trialist goalkeeper as they seek to sign both a No.1 and No.2 for the upcoming campaign.

That shot-stopper is likely to make an appearance in tomorrow’s first open friendly of the summer against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Askey has said that a loan for a shot-stopper from a ‘bigger club’ is in the pipeline.

The transfer window shuts on Thursday, August 9 but loans are able to move until August 31.

Meanwhile, Okenabirhie is delighted to have marked his first Salop showing with a couple of goals.

The former Dagenham and Redbridge hitman scored twice in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Kidderminster Harriers on Wednesday. Abo Eisa got the other goal as Town won 3-0.

“It’s a good way to start. You’ve got to start as you mean to go on, to get that winning habit is good and hopefully we can keep it going for the rest of the games until the start of the season,” said Okenabirhie.

“It’s been good. Training has been tough but I’m getting fitter each week.

“I’m happy now the games have started, and I’m getting to know the boys better.

“I’m looking forward to the start of the season now.”