Workington Reds manager Danny Grainger says he won’t buckle in the face of “crazy” wage demands from players.

The Borough Park boss is trying to add further new faces to his squad ahead of the new Northern Premier League Premier Division season.

But Grainger says some transfer targets are asking for ridiculous money.

And he says he won’t gamble with Workington’s financial stability by giving in to such demands.

“I’m still two or three short of where I need to be – I’m hoping to bring in one more on loan and possibly two permanent signings,” said Grainger.

“It’s hard work at the moment. Any player I talk to, the financial side of it they’re demanding is absolutely crazy.

“It’s not something I’m willing to do – I’m not putting the club at risk, that’s something I’ve said from day one.”

Grainger has so far added Oldham Athletic wide man Kofi Moore on loan to his newly-promoted squad, along with the permanent arrivals of former Preston North End defender Finlay Wallbank and ex-Altrincham full-back Aidy Roxburgh.

The Reds boss could move for more loan targets later this month when clubs higher up the pyramid finalise their first-team squads after pre-season.

But Grainger also said he will have no hesitation in turning to some of the young players in Workington’s ranks too.

“I’ll promote from within if I need to,” he said.

“As you saw on Saturday [in their friendly against Carlisle United], we had young Lewis Moore [aged 17], stood in the centre of the pitch with not a fear in the world and didn’t do himself any harm.

“I think he’ll grow into a fantastic player for us.”