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DANNY JONES: Extended his loan spell with Athletic.

ATHLETIC are set to drop their interest in Dean Windass – but another striker is now being lined up for a move.

Club officials are bidding to sign an experienced frontman at Championship level and haul John Sheridan’s team out of their downturn in form.

The player concerned would not be available for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Cheltenham, so no deal is expected this week.

But Athletic remain firmly in the hunt for recruits on loan and could go back to his club if no other signings are made.

Sheridan has drawn up a list of targets, with strikers the main priority as Chris O’Grady and Craig Davies are out on loan and Lee Hughes is sidelined by a one-match ban.

His hopes of signing Windass now look dead in the water as Hull insist they won’t allow the veteran to leave.

Athletic are hoping Brett Ormerod will be able to play against Cheltenham as they have asked Preston for permission to use him in the cup.

Ormerod, who has so far made two starts and three substitute appearances during his loan spell, would be a straight replacement for Hughes.

If Preston turn down the request and there are no new faces before Saturday, Athletic will choose between Lewis Alessandra, Deane Smalley and Matt Wolfenden for the anticipated two slots up front.

Alessandra bagged a hat-trick against Scunthorpe last week, but Smalley has been used mostly from the bench this season and Wolfenden has been laid low by injuries.

Athletic have already secured one deal, with Danny Jones extending his loan from Wolves.

Jones, who can operate as a left winger or left-back, will remain at Boundary Park until at least January 3.

The 21-year-old started every game during his initial month, scoring in the victory over Hereford. He is also eligible for the FA Cup.

Jones already had experience in League One after spending much of last season at Northampton Town.

Athletic must also make a decision on Richie Byrne as the versatile defender is due out of contract.

Byrne is on a one-month deal, but he has missed four games with a recurrence of the hamstring problems which plagued his time at Aberdeen.