Dearden, who had previously been frustrated in his attempts to bring in new faces in the January transfer window, followed up on Monday's capture of Will Atkinson on loan with a permanent deal for big striker Jefferson Louis.

• Billy gets a new player at last

Louis (28), who was previously at Weymouth, was a free agent and has been tracked by the Stags for a few weeks - having trained with the club for the past few days.

The powerful forward featured in last week's friendly at Loughborough University, agreed terms on Tuesday afternoon and will sign a three-month contract on Wednesday morning.

He is not eligible for tonight's match at Lincoln, but will be in the squad for Saturday's visit of Brentford.

The 6ft 2ins striker has had League experience with Oxford, in 2002-2004, and at Bristol Rovers a year later.

At Oxford he made 18 League appearances, 37 as a substitute, and scored seven goals. He played a handful of games at Rovers.

Since then he has been playing in non league at Lewes and Weymouth.

Louis told the club's official website mansfieldtown.net: "I am delighted to be given the chance at Football League level again.

"Some managers have doubted me in football, but now I have the chance to prove them wrong.

"I have to repay the faith which the manager (Dearden) has shown in me.

"I am determined to help get Mansfield out of the relegation zone.

"Everyone here must believe that we can get out of the relegation zone. I certainly believe that we can, having trained with the lads for the past couple of days."

Manager Dearden told Chad on Tuesday afternoon: "I think the fans will like him. He is a big strong lad and one of those who needs a run in a team.

"He had a good spell at Oxford when they were in the League, but has been playing non league recently and was disappointed not get back into the League sooner.

"He is something different to what we have already got and when he gets as fit as he can, I can see him being a handful for one or two teams in our league.

"Look at McLean at Peterborough - You hope a non league player you bring in comes good and might make it in the League again. You never know, he could be a hit.

"I have seen him play before, but I had lost track of where he had gone until now.

"I am still waiting on other calls which may or may not happen before Thursday's transfer window deadline, but I can't bring in anyone on 18-month contracts which is disappointing.

"I would only have to wait another week before I can bring in players on emergency loan if nothing else happens before Thursday."