Micky Mellon hopes to make two new signings before Oldham Athletic's next home game, with the potential for one of those deals to be finalised in time for tomorrow's trip to Eastleigh.

The Latics boss has already added loanees Ethan Walker and Sai Sachdev to the ranks, as well as securing midfielder Tom Conlon on a permanent deal from Port Vale last week.

But Mellon says there is still scope in his plans - and his budget - for further additions.

"I'm hoping to bring in a couple of players over the next couple of days," he said.

"Both would be available for Tuesday (at home to Barnet) and one could possibly be available for tomorrow.

"We are close and pretty much over the line with a couple, but not quite yet.

"We've strengthened in areas we've needed to and hopefully we will have some positive news very soon."

Latics have looked into the possibility of some players on the periphery going out on loan but there is no movement yet.

"We've given players opportunities to play somewhere else but they haven't wanted to do that. We aren't going to force them," said Mellon.

"Hopefully there will be opportunities for players to go out and get football elsewhere and we will continue to look at that.

"We've got a budget and it needs to be balanced. We've got a big squad here now that needs to be balanced also.

"We are still light in certain areas and it will take time to balance that out. It won't happen overnight but it's something we're working on.

"That's another part of management, but our focus is on trying to get results."