Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen is expected to bolster his defence after failing to extend the loan spell of striker Barry Hayles for a third month, writes James McNamara.

Allen made an attempt to keep the Leicester frontman at Whaddon Road for an additional four weeks following his last-minute winner against Colchester on Saturday.

The striker, however, is expected to sign for another League One club in the next few days, and that will allow Allen to use the funds to strengthen his squad in other areas.

Allen refused to comment specifically on which areas he wanted to improve, but the Daily Press understands that a new centre-back is the top priority as the manager has seen his side concede 13 goals during his six games in charge.

Shane Duff remains on the injured list with a calf injury and on-loan defender Drissa Diallo is coming to the end of a month-long stay. Allen could have a new man in place by the time Scunthorpe visit Whaddon Road on Saturday.

Allen said: "I wanted to keep Barry, but in the end we couldn't afford the wages.

"I believe there is another deal lined up with a club who were willing to match the sums involved, so we have missed out on that one.

"Barry has done well for us but now that he has gone it will free money up for me to strengthen another particular area of the squad that needs improving."

Allen has already invited midfielders Jonny Hayes (Leicester) and Ian Westlake (Leeds United) to train with the Robins, and they will be offered chances to earn loan deals should they impress in the reserve clash against Swindon Town at the County Ground tonight (7pm).

"They are two players who are training with us for a few days and we will see wher it goes from there," Allen added. "We will watch them in the reserve game and there is a possibility that we could take them on loan."

They will be joined in the squad by on-loan Premiership hopefuls Lewis Montrose and Josh Payne, while defender Michael Townsend has also been included after being substituted against Colchester on Saturday.