Striker to sign today?

The early optimism that has been flowing through Meadow Lane has been dwindling recently for one reason - the lack of another striker.

County bound?: Owusu is a name being thrown around...

Now, as we hone in on the new season, it seems like there is going to be some movement, other than the short-term signing of on-trial striker Ben Fairclough, who is expected to sign before Saturday's game.

On Monday Ian McParland revealed to the Nottingham Evening Post that he hoped to tie up a deal for a striker in the 'next 48 hours'.

According to the calendar, that would mean - if all runs smoothly - a striker will be unveiled at some point today.

Every fan and his dog now knows that Notts are desperate for a striker of a different mould to the smaller figures of Jamie Forrester and Spencer Weir-Daley.

The Forest match showed that County's strike force appeared a bit too lightweight, which would no doubt become apparent in League Two.

Although the long ball tactic is set to be minimised, a larger striker is a

Experienced: Beckett would be a great addition to Notts County's ranks...

necessity if Matthew Hamshaw and the improving Myles Weston are to expect productivity from their deliveries from the flanks.

Although no names have been revealed, a few names are being thrown about by the Notts County Mad community.

Lloyd Owusu, Delroy Facey and Luke Beckett are a some of many forwards mentioned.

At this stage of the close-season, not many fans would argue that any of these players would prove worthy additions at this level.

Hopefully, by the end of today all will be revealed and the full burst of optimism will have returned with the addition of another striker.