SHAKERS' boss Graham Barrow has wasted no time getting over his disappointment at missing out on former Macclesfield hitman Matty Tipton by snapping up hotshot Tom Youngs from Leyton Orient.

The 25-year-old has agreed terms with the Gigg Lane club and is due to sign a contract when he reports for pre-season training.

"The way we played last year, he could play in two or three different roles which is obviously a big plus," said Barrow.

"He went for big money from Cambridge and he's had a quiet couple of years.

"Northampton spoke very well of him but he just couldn't get past their strikeforce, which is a decent one.

"Hopefully he can pick up his career with us. He's got a very good goalscoring record, particularly from his time at Cambridge, and with Bury being a similar sort of club, hopefully he can do the same here."

The Bury St. Edmunds-born player began his career with Cambridge, where he emerged a skilful goal scorer netting 39 times.

He then joined Northampton Town in March 2003 for £50,000, however, injury put paid to his hopes of becoming Town's leading scorer and after a disappointing two-year stay, during which time he scored 17 times for the Cobblers, he joined Leyton Orient in January this year, where he scored four goals in six league outings.

If Barrow gets his way Youngs will be the first of three new signings expected in the next few days.

The other two are believed to be an experienced goalkeeper and a defender.

He has been in talks with Rochdale's Neil Edwards for some time now, and it is widely known that the 34-year-old is still believed to be unhappy with the terms currently being offered by Dale.

Barrow is also being linked with Tom Baker, who has been released by Barnsley, although Huddersfield are also in the hunt for the 20-year-old.

Meanwhile, starlet Colin Kazim-Richards, who rejected the offer of a new contract with Bury, is interesting Coca Cola League One side, Brighton and Hove Albion.

Away from the comings and goings, the Shakers can look forward to hosting Coca Cola Championship side Leicester City in the first round of the Carling Cup at Gigg on Tuesday, August 23, kick-off 7.45pm.