Dickov plays for keeps

CODY McDONALD... hopes of signing the prolific striker are fading.

ATHLETIC will search for more permanent deals for new players before manager Paul Dickov switches his full attention to loan talent.

Alex Cisak signed for two years yesterday, to solve the club's goalkeeping problem. And with Jean-Yves Mvoto also on board to stiffen the back line, thoughts are now switching to the remainder of the team’s spine.

A central midfield replacement for Dale Stephens and a new striker to receive more of the scoring chances spurned last time round are now the major priorities.

Dickov is keen for these players to become contracted assets, rather than borrowed from other clubs.

"In terms of the loan market, we have made contact with a lot of Premier League clubs about possibly taking their younger players," Dickov said.

"First and foremost, though, what we are looking to do is get people here under contract. We believe that’s the way to go."

Athletic's trail on striker Cody McDonald has gone quiet at the moment. Striking a permanent deal for a player who scored 25 goals on loan at Gillingham last term will be impossible for Athletic, with Peterborough claiming the in-demand McDonald is listed at £550,000 by parent club Norwich City.

Athletic's best chance of landing McDonald, who has held talks with Dickov and whose Canaries deal ends in the summer of 2012, would be on loan.

That would only realistically be possible if Norwich decide to retain the 23 year old and sign him to a new contract, rather than selling.

Meanwhile, Athletic have been linked with a move for Liverpool full-back Stephen Darby.

Npower League One rivals MK Dons and Rochdale are also said to be looking at the 22 year old, who spent a large chunk of last season on loan to Notts County.