Barnsley have failed to sign Fulham striker Marcello Trotta but are still searching for a new forward.

Manager Danny Wilson said last week that he could make several more signings following the arrival of Ryan Williams and Peter Ramage.

But he is happy with his current midfield after switching to a 4-5-1 formation and a striker is thought to be the only priority at the moment.

There is unlikely to be any movement on any front before the weekend. Fulham – who leant the Reds Williams last week – pulled out of a deal for Italy under 21 star Trotta to come to Oakwell. Chief executive Ben Mansford said: "Marcello is someone we wanted to bring to the club and we had good dialogue with Fulham. But, for one reason or another, they felt things weren't right at their end and the deal is off.  

"The one piece of recruitment we are looking to do is to sign a big striker. But we won't make signings for the sake of it. It has to be the right player."

Wilson added: "We are still looking for a big striker but so are 92 other clubs. It is very difficult."

With Williams, Ramage, Devante Cole and Joe Dudgeon filling four of the five loan spots available in a matchday squad, Wilson is prepared to be patient before recruiting the fifth.

The Reds are also in preliminary negotiations with several out of contract players while former Stevenage youngster Ryan Towner and Worsbrough Bridge striker Brad Kerr are on trial and have been playing for the under 21s.