CHORLEY boss Mark Molyneaux is closing in on a couple of transfer targets as he attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.

The former Trafford chief, who took charge of the Magpies at the back end of last season, has already lined up moves for Ian Bold and Sean Whitehead during a busy summer of transfer activity at Victory Park.

And now he hopes to add former Trafford duo Lee Southwood and Anthony Hogan to his growing pool of players as he attempts to take the Unibond First Division by storm next term.

Central defender Southwood first made his mark in amateur football while 28-year-old midfielder Hogan lists Flixton, Maine Road, Curzon Ashton and Ashton United among his former clubs.

Further new signings are said to be in the pipeline with Molyneaux believed to be keeping close tabs on youngsters Damian Flanagan and Adam Budgeon.

Flanagan is a right-back who was recently released by Bolton Wanderers while Budgeon is a goalkeeper who was with Stockport County last season.

The Magpies began pre-season training several weeks ago in readiness for the new campaign and Bold and Whitehead were among a clutch of new faces who attended the first few sessions with a view to signing permanently.

Bold, a 23-year-old central midfielder from Leek Town, boasts Chester City, Caernarfon Town, Warrington, Tetley Walker, Witton Albion and Leigh RMI among his former clubs whereas Whitehead, a 19-year-old right winger who was recently released by Oldham Athletic, has had a previous spell with Trafford.

Meanwhile, Chorley will take on Bury in a pre-season friendly at Victory Park on July 20.