Nigel Clough targets eight players for Mansfield Town glory bid

And work has now begun to try to lure those players to the One Call Stadium.

After avoiding relegation following a season-long fight, manager Clough wants to now compete at the top end and looks set to make sweeping changes to the squad, though said he was happy with his midfield options.

“We have identified our top eight targets that we want to come in, so we are working on those and will do our best to try to get the number one targets in,” he said.

“We are going to try to get some early business done as that's the best way. If we can get one or two in – even two or three out the eight.

“But there's some we're going to have to wait for decisions.

“We have made contact with all eight's representatives or clubs or whatever. So we have started the ball rolling with them all.”

Clough will bring in new defenders and strikers and has also said he intends to look at his goalkeeping department. But he added: “I don't think midfield is a priority area at the moment.

“We're very happy with our midfield. Ollie Clarke is out at the moment. But with him, George Maris, Stephen Quinn if we've got him, George Lapslie, Harry Charsley and Jason Law I think we've got a good midfield.”

The current squad have two more games to impress, but Clough admitted: “I think we are pretty much there – we're probably 99 per cent of the way there with our decisions made.

“I don't think we have too many under contract now and, obviously we have made the decision on Mal Benning.

“We've done quite a few contracts in the last few months for those who are going to be around.

“We will certainly have a chat with Stephen Quinn and see what his position is, but I think we have done most of our business in terms of existing players.”