John Sheridan says he is optimistic of getting some of the players he wants in January – with TWO strikers in his sights.

The Carlisle United manager says he has identified targets to bring in to replace Fleetwood loan man Ashley Nadesan, who is expected to leave the Blues in the new year.

Finances are expected still to be tight at Brunton Park as Sheridan attempts to reshuffle his squad in a bid to get 13th-placed United heading back up League Two.

But he has made the forward line a priority and told the News & Star: “There’s a couple of players who we think are available and we might have a chance of getting.

“It’s going to be a striker, possibly two strikers, and we’ll wait and see if we can get them.

“I think Nadesan will be going. My thought process is we definitely need a striker, possibly two strikers.

“We need a bit of firepower. I think that’s the thing we actually are missing.”

Sheridan has already said he expects Fleetwood to recall Nadesan after his half-season loan and then look to sell the striker, who remains United’s top scorer with eight goals.

Some reports have linked National League big spenders Salford City with a move for the 24-year-old.

It is understood that other League Two clubs are also taking a close look at the frontman.

It is the loan market where United are likely to go for reinforcements with no sign of the purse strings being significantly loosened.

Reports in the north-east said Carlisle were one of a host of clubs who had been watching Newcastle’s 19-year-old forward Elias Sorensen. Sheridan, though, denied there was any move in prospect for the Dane when asked by the News & Star.

On the need for a greater goal threat, Carlisle’s boss added: “I think it’s definitely what we are missing.

“You’ve got to score goals to win games, but it’s not been for the lack of chances.

“I think we get in some really good areas, and then whether it’s the final ball, or the wrong run…it’s not as if we don’t work on it. It’s instinct sometimes.

“It’s easy me talking, saying he should have done this or that. I’m watching the game, and it’s totally different when they’re out there on the pitch.

“But you’ve got to score goals to win football matches.”

Sheridan also admitted he needs to get the future of other players tied up soon. Those on short-term contracts, like Anthony Gerrard, and other loanees Jerry Yates, Jack Sowerby and Adam Campbell will see their deals up in the coming weeks.

“We need to get our house in order and sort [things] out, definitely, it’s getting closer,” Sheridan said.

“We know, and the players know who I want to stay. Most of them want to stay.

“I need to finalise that, get it in place and move on, and hopefully add one or two additions if I can.”