Morecambe were looking to bring in a left-sided midfielder and expected the deal to be tied up early Monday evening.

Meanwhile Craig Stanley was back in contention for a first-team place after patching up his differences with McIlroy.

Transfer-listed Stanley had a well-publicised bust up with the Christie Park boss and looked to be on his way to Grimsby on loan, with Accrignton Stanley also keeping tabs.

But McIlroy called the former Hereford player in to 'clear the air' talks at the weekend and promptly put him back in contention for a place in a Shrimps midfield that has struggled to find any form in the side's miserable start to the 2008/09 season.

McIlroy said: "Craig Stanley won't be going anywhere. He is staying with us.

"Everything is ok with Stanley. We brought some players in and had a look at them and Craig Stanley is needed at the club."

McIlroy has fielded a number of combinations in centre midfield and Stanley is likely to feature when he recovers fully from his foot injury.

On the potential new signing, McIlroy said: "He would be an exciting signing and hopefully this boy can do the job we are looking for."

Meanwhile Michael Twiss, who has fallen out of the first team reckoning, was reported to be interesting a couple of clubs - possibly including Accrington - as the transfer deadline loomed.