The long search for an Antonio back-up striker goes on
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

David Moyes has a list of around eight names on his private striker list and is unlikely to bring in a replacement until the final days of the window.

As we reported earlier in the week there have currently been 18 strikers mentioned in the media as being possible targets.

Then there are those known only to the manager!

Indeed that very point was made to us by a member of the backroom team – sufficiently amused by the story to give us a ring .

He said: The manager has various names available to him which have never been seen in the press. He may surprise everybody.” 

Whilst Boulaye Dia appears to be the heavy favourite right now and with Josh King also believed to be a live prospect, it will nonetheless come as no surprise should the manager turn to one of those he has been following out of the media spotlight.

In the meantime he will be hoping the 90 minutes Mikey Antonio spent at Stockport has him spot on for tomorrow’s match against Burnley.