Boss Richie Barker admits the chances of Matt Tubbs returning to Crawley are receding.

Barker is keen to bring in a striker over the summer and has enquired about the possibility of bringing Tubbs, below, back to the Broadfield Stadium from Bournemouth.

The striker is understood to be surplus to requirements at Bournemouth having started just 11 league games since joining the Cherries for a reported £650,000 in January 2012.

Tubbs scored 58 goals in 78 appearances for Crawley and would be a popular signing among the club’s fans but Reds are likely to be outbid by a host of other potential suitors.

Barker said: “Until he signs for somebody else there is always a chance but it is an incredibly slim chance and far slimmer than it was a couple of weeks ago.”

Crawley have brought in Andy Drury and James Hurst during the summer and Barker would like to add another two signings before the League One campaign begins next month.

However, the Reds boss admits a tight budget is making negotiations difficult with a number of potential targets which are believed to include Swindon’s Luke Rooney and Marlon Pack of Cheltenham.

Barker added: “I would like another one or two but that is easier said than done. We’re having discussions with a couple of players at the moment but they have other options.

“The days when Crawley could outbid everybody else are gone so we are having to make sure we do our homework and that those we do bring in tick all the boxes we need.”

Barker has confirmed Drury and Hurst will feature in a full strength side to play Oakwood in Crawley’s opening pre-season friendly on Friday night. The Reds boss also hinted that he may run the rule over a trialist in the game against the Sussex County League side.

Oakwood have cut admission prices for the game to £8 for adults and £4 concessions but have urged supporters to use public transport to get to the game with parking at Tinsley Lane limited.