Crawley will step up their attempts to strengthen their squad when the loan window opens next week after missing out on top target Lee Gregory on transfer deadline day.

Reds made two bids for the Halifax Town striker who has plundered 18 goals in 23 games this season and has also attracted interest from Blackburn, Notts County and Oldham.

Crawley boss John Gregory had money to spend after selling Nicky Adams to Rotherham for an undisclosed fee – reported to have been £95,000 - but could not meet Halifax’s asking price.

Reds – who also made an enquiry about taking transfer listed Swindon striker Dany N’Guessan on loan – will be keen to bring in reinforcements when the loan window opens on February 8 with their lightweight squad further weakened by the departures of Adams, Gary Alexander and Emile Sinclair yesterday.

Adams finally completed a move to Rotherham two months after a move to New York Stadium collapsed while Alexander joined League Two promotion chasers Burton Albion.

Sinclair joined Northampton on loan for the rest of the season late last night with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

Their departures have left Gregory with just 13 fit senior outfield players to choose from for today’s clash with Stevenage at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

The only new arrival at Crawley yesterday was goalkeeper Ross Atkins on a month’s emergency loan from Derby County as cover for No.1 Paul Jones with regular back-up Jonny Maddison suffering from a suspected appendicitis. Atkins is expected to be on the bench for today’s game against Stevenage which the club are confident will go ahead after covering the pitch on Thursday night.