King's Lynn Town boss Gary Setchell insists he's tantalisingly close to ending his search for a striker.

The Linnets' boss targeted defensive reinforcements and a frontman ahead of his summer rebuilding programme – which so far has gone hugely positively. The arrivals of centre-back Sam Gaughran, versatile defender Kern Miller plus midfielders Liam Hurst and Michael Clunan have been met with almost universal approval from the Town faithful. However, supporters, and Setchell, are still desperate to see an attacking addition made before the big kick-off at Merthyr on Saturday, August 8.

Lynn's boss said: 'I've got room to bring in one, maybe two (players). I've got to get that striker but I think I'm close.

'If I do get the one I want I think he's going to be worth waiting for. By the end of next week we'll know for sure. I don't want to alert what's going on to other people so I can't really say too much. We're not, not, working on it. I hope to have something in place by the end of next week and I'll be surprised if I haven't. If I haven't it'll be the week after maybe.'

The Southern League Premier Division new-boys – who were switched into the Step Three set-up as part of the FA's annual summer non-league shake-up – are back in friendly action this afternoon when they welcome lower-level AFC Sudbury to The Walks.

Sam Mulready, Jacek Zielonka, reserve-team talent Jack Frohawk and playmaker Lee Stevenson could all get minutes at the top of the pitch as Lynn's forward players stake a claim to wear the number nine shirt once the serious action returns.

'I don't think Jack's ready to start 46 Southern Premier games,' Setchell added, speaking to his outfit's YouTube channel.

'But there's certainly a place for him in the squad, and young (midfielder) Liam Fryatt. Jack's an exciting prospect who is very, very raw.

'There's lots of players who are going to develop with the side and I think we've got the right group of so-called older heads. Sam Gaughran was class against Dereham and I thought Lee Stevenson was absolutely outstanding all night, he changed the game when he went up front in the second half. You can see why Liam Hurst played League Two football (for Cambridge United) and Michael Clunan was different class.'

A 1-0 home victory over Dereham Town on Wednesday evening continued Town's encouraging start to pre-season which has seen them beat Harlow 2-1 and draw 1-1 at higher-tier Boston United.