Cotterill was today hoping to finalise a deal in England before flying out to look at several targets before the curtain comes down on the Spanish league season next weekend.

Since the Championship season finished a month ago, Cotterill (right) has spent a weekend in Germany, swiftly followed by last week's 9,000 mile day-trip to Florida to sign former Stoke City striker Wayne Thomas from under his rivals' noses on a three-year deal.

And now he will take in two, lower level La Liga games as he spreads the net far and wide in search of new talent.

Cotterill revealed: "I'm flying to Spain this weekend to watch two games. This is the last chance I'll have to take a look at one or two players we've identified over there and see what the standard is like.

"There are not too many games left to take in, but I still need to fill several positions and a contact has picked me a couple of games where I can watch players in those roles."

Spain's cup final, the Copa del Rey, takes place tomorrow between La Liga sides Betis and Osasuna, although I understand Cotterill will instead watch one La Liga A game before taking in a Division Two game on Sunday and returning to England early next week.

Meanwhile, Cotterill was today awaiting further news on a potential target in this country thought to be available on a free transfer.

The recent release of the Professional Footballer's Association transfer directory has detailed every player up for grabs this summer.

However, Cotterill revealed: "I am waiting to see the outcome of something else before I jump in and see where we are. It's just a case of waiting and seeing what materialises there, but unfortunately it's a bit of astalemate at the moment.

"As I've said before, the free transfer list is out and there are players on there who you would naturally be interested in. But since they have just come out of contract, you are fighting with everyone else for the same names, which makes life harder."