Boss John Gregory is confident Izale McLeod can be the “lethal finisher” Crawley have been missing.

McLeod became the League One club’s seventh signing of the summer yesterday when he penned a two-year deal following his release by MK Dons.

Gregory turned to the 29-year-old who cost Charlton Athletic £1.1million seven years ago after missing out on Leon Clarke and Matt Tubbs in his search for a prolific goalscorer.

Reds managed just 48 goals in 46 league games last season. Only the bottom three in League One scored fewer.

Gregory is well aware of McLeod’s ability to find the net having given the striker his professional debut when he was Derby County boss in 2002.

Gregory said: “He is a proven goalscorer at this level, something we lacked last season. I have worked with him before and know what he is capable of. He’s quick, strong and a lethal finisher.”

Crawley have lacked a proven marksman since the sale of Tubbs and Tyrone Barnett midway through the 2012/13 season.

McLeod averages one goal in every three games throughout his career and believes he can improve on that record at Crawley.

He said: “The manager sold the ambition of the club to me really well. It's almost going to be a new team next season and I am looking forward to being part of it and doing what I know best which is scoring goals.”

McLeod follows Brian Jensen, Ryan Dickson, Lanre Oyebanjo, Sonny Bradley, Jimmy Smith and Gavin Tomlin in joining Crawley this summer with Gregory is hopeful of bringing in another two new faces before the weekend. A deal for former Albion goalkeeper Mitch Walker has been held up, however, with Dover unwilling to compromise on their asking price.

Meanwhile, Luton boss John Still has confirmed he intends to make an improved offer for midfielder Andy Drury after the Hatters' initial bid was dismissed as “insulting”