One in...One out

Richardson was told yesterday by director Steve Thompson that there is no money left in the transfer kitty and, should he wish to bring a striker in on-loan, he would have to shift somebody out of the squad. And the 35-year-old player-boss appears to be doing just that.

The defender - who has now completed three weeks as Notts County caretaker manager - is keen to loan a striker following leading scorer Glynn Hurst's sending off on Saturday- which rules the hitman out for two matches.

Richardson (pictured left) still has Hurst's regular partner Gavin Gordon, plus Matty Williams, on-loan Chris O'Grady and Shaun Harrad, at his disposal but is still keen to add a striker before Saturday's match against Cambridge at Meadow Lane.

The veteran seems to have two people in mind as his first signing since taking over the reigns. He is keen on Bolton's teenage wonderkid Ricardo Vaz Te after he impressed Richo in a reserve match on Monday. Richardson's other target is Bristol City's Paul Heffernan, who left Notts in the summer.

Vaz Te, 18, remains slightly more likely, with Bolton and former Notts boss Sam Allardyce more than happy to do Richardson - who played under him at Meadow Lane - a favour.

Heffernan has struggled since signing a four-year deal at Ashton Gate this summer, despite scoring an impressive 21 goals for the relegated Magpies last season. He has also been over-taken by Steve Brooker and Leroy Lita as City's first choice strike pairing.

Coming back?

But, despite the Irish under-21 international thought to be keen on a move, City manager Brian Tinnion has wrote-off the possibility this morning.

"He won't be going anywhere because he is part of my plans," Tinnion told the Western Daily Press. "The emergence of Leroy Lita has made it difficult for Heff, but he hasn't done anything wrong."

Elsewhere, rumours have been flying around today as to the identity of the player likely to leave Meadow Lane. Richo admitted a move is likely in today's NEP, but refused to give a name.

"I do not want to say who the player is," said Richardson. "I do not want to put the mockers on any deal before it is done.

"There has been nothing concrete yet, but the player's agent is talking to a higher division club about a possible move. If it works out, it will give us some room to manoeuvre."

Out-of-favour goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall appears to be a favourite, as he is known to be a high-earner. However, this would surely leave Richardson with another dilemma- with only one other senior goalkeeper at the club.

That goalkeeper is Saul Deeney and his name has also been mentioned as one who is a possibility to go. Midfielders Matt Gill and Tony Scully are also possibilities, though the 'higher division club' comment could well rule both of those out of the running.

Magpie fans will certainly be hoping that the player is not 18-year-old defender Kelvin Wilson. Wilson has been linked with a whole host of clubs in recent weeks, and has been watched by scouts of both Man Utd and Arsenal.

One way or another though, Richardson is optimistic.

"I am hopeful something can be resolved," Richardson told the NEP. "With a bit of luck, it might even happen by this evening."

NCM will keep you updated with all the latest developments.