Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen is closing in on a deal to keep midfielder Ian Westlake for the rest of the season.

The on-loan Leeds man completes a three-month loan spell after the clash with Brighton at Whaddon Road tomorrow.

Allen, however, revealed yesterday that talks had taken place over retaining Westlake until the end of the campaign and that he was hopeful a deal would be concluded on Monday.

Allen said: "We are very close to doing a deal and are hoping to know more on Monday.

"It would be a big bonus for us because he has been quality for us since the day he arrived.

"Ian is a great lad who has shown commendable commitment to the cause and we hope he stays."

Allen, however, has to reduce the size of his squad before new faces can be introduced during the January transfer window and he has added three more players to the transfer list.

The biggest surprise was striker Damian Spencer, who has been made available for a nominal fee after being injured for the majority of Allen's four month tenure.

Fellow striker Paul Connor and defender Andy Lindegaard, who is being monitored by League Two side Exeter City, were also added to the list of players available for loan or free transfer.

On-loan wideman Jonny Hayes has also returned to Leicester City after his temporary spell ended after Tuesday night's FA Cup replay defeat at Doncaster.

Meanwhile, youth teamers Marley Watkins and Jack Durrant have been offered their first professional deals.

Both players, who came on as substitutes at Doncaster, have been given 12 month contracts with the option of an additional year.

Fellow second-year scholar Lewis Fathers will stay at the club and a decision will be made on his future at the end of the season.