The Gaffer’s search for a new striker has progressed to the point where he has offered a short-term contract to trialist, Guy Gnabouyou.
Gnabouyou (27), is a former France U21 international and spent his youth career with Marseille. His most recent club was Inter Turku who play in the top league in Finland.
Gnabouyou played and scored twice in a behind closed doors friendly against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday.
“He had been in the building eight or nine days – managed to hastily arrange the game so that we could have a look at him, as well as get the lads some game time,” said head coach, Gary Owers.
Having trained with United over the last couple of weeks, Owers has been able to assess the striker’s attributes. The deal still has some way to go before it is complete though.
“He’s done ok – got two goals which is something that we are in need of at the moment, which is well documented. On that basis we have made him an offer to come in on a short-term contract until January, to see whether he can give us a little bit extra. He’s gone back to France, and we haven’t agreed terms so there is quite a bit more to do.
“He’s mobile, he’s athletic. He’s quick and looking at his stuff which I did do before I invited him over, he looks like he can finish if he gets a chance.”
The Gaffer is mindful that whoever he brings in is not put under too much pressure. Any new signings will be adding to what is already in the building.
“There is a lot of talk about our need for a striker. It is going to put a lot of pressure on whoever does come in. I have got strikers here that need to step up and show me what they are all about – they can contribute.
“At this point of the year it is going to be very difficult to go and bring a striker in that is in top form scoring goals at another club. If he is scoring goals then he’ll be in somebody else’s team. I’ve got to be very particular and try and make the right decision. January [Football League transfer window] is a different matter.
The Gaffer also revealed that the Club have put in a bid for a player. That deal too is in its early stages.
“We have made an offer for someone. I don’t want to say too much. The money is down and the ball’s in the court of the club that has received the offer. Let’s see where it goes in the next couple of days.
“It is someone that is attracting a lot of attention. It is someone that is scoring lots of goals in the last couple of seasons.We can’t say anymore than that at the moment.”