Cobblers striker linked with move to Cheltenham

Cobblers striker Harry Smith is one of several potential targets for Cheltenham Town boss Michael Duff during this month's transfer window, according to Gloucestershire Live.

The 25-year-old forward joined Northampton from Macclesfield in the summer of 2019 but has struggled for consistency, scoring seven goals in his first campaign before a bad ankle injury curtailed his season.

He's netted four times in League One this term but the last of those came at Rochdale back in November, with Keith Curle preferring to partner Danny Rose with Benny Ashley-Seal in recent matches.

Smith may find himself further down the pecking order following the additions of forwards Mickel Miller and Ryan Edmondson earlier this week.

Gloucestershire Live are reporting that Duff was at Northampton on Tuesday night to watch their 2-0 Papa John's Trophy third round defeat by MK Dons, when Smith came off the bench in the 64th minute.

When asked about his recruitment plans during the transfer window, Duff confirmed Cheltenham had already missed out on two targets.

"We've been close to a couple that we've not been able to get over the line for different reasons," he said. "That is where we're at. We are trying to improve, but I won't bring someone in just for the sake of bringing in a body.

"We have enough quality within the group and we are where we are in the table (sixth) with this group, but are we looking to add? Yes. We are working as hard as we ever have done to get a couple of deals done."

Questioned about possible outgoings after signing Edmondson and Miller, Curle said: "I have spoken to a number of players who might not have had too much game-time so far this season.

"I highlighted to them what I think their career needs and they need to be playing games. I don't think it's the right time for me to name names but for the players in question, those conversations have been had."