Keith Curle gives latest on Cobblers' transfer dealings

Keith Curle is having to play the 'waiting game' as he chases new signings this summer despite his squad looking shy on numbers after their first day back in pre-season training.

The Cobblers have made a couple of signings so far this summer, snapping up midfielder Christopher Missilou on a free transfer and goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell on loan from Derby County.

Town were back at the PTS Academy Stadium for socially-distant training on Thursday with the squad looking a little light in some areas, particularly in defence and up front.

But Curle will not rush into anything and is content to bide his time to ensure he brings in the right players.

"It's a time factor," said Curle. "You're finding that players, agents and other football clubs are still adjusting to the financial changes that are in place now.

"Players last season were commanding wages that this season are just not out there and not available so it's about playing the waiting game but we've got the advantage of being able to offer League One football.

"Clubs in League Two might be able to offer a better financial deal but they haven't got that League One platform that we do.

"Some of the players that I've spoken to have chosen to go down a route of more money and I completely and utterly understand it, but I haven't lost out on too many players that I don't think I can replace with better."

While a lot of the focus has been on Charlie Goode in terms of outgoings, the Cobblers have received some interest for their fringe players.

"There's been a few phone calls regarding the availability of some players," confirmed Curle. "Other clubs have obviously noticed we've gone up a division and certain players weren't getting much game-time before.

"That's all part and parcel of the jigsaw puzzle that we're putting together, but it's still very early - we're only emptying the pieces out of the box!

"A lot of agents keep offering me new pieces but those are the type of pieces that can be very, very important when you get to the end of your puzzle."