Crawley are hoping to complete the signing of striker Matt Harrold this week.

Harrold is poised to join Reds from Bristol Rovers after turning down a move to Northampton Town.

Boss John Gregory has identified the 6ft 1in former Yeovil and Wycombe targetman as the ideal player to lead the line in a new-look attack next season.

Harrold, 29, scored seven goals in 36 games for Rovers as they were relegated from League Two last season but offers the physical presence Crawley have lacked since the departure of Gary Alexander in January.

Gregory is confident of completing one signing today with another two new faces expected by the weekend.

Reds had hoped to wrap up a deal for former Albion goalkeeper Mitch Walker yesterday but they could not reach an agreement with Dover Athletic over a fee for the 22-year-old England C international.

Crawley are also among a number of clubs battling to sign midfielder John-Joe O’Toole after his departure from Bristol Rovers.