Paul Hurst admits defensive deals have proved difficult for Shrewsbury Town

Town have been busy over the last couple of weeks in adding nine additions to the Meadow set-up, with the boss admitting that shopping in the midfield and goalkeeper departments is complete – while he is content with his attacking options.

But just one of the nine, Zak Jules, is a defender and with Adam El-Abd and Olly Lancashire heading out in the opposite direction, Town are lighter on options at the back.

Hurst has also touched on acquiring competition for Junior Brown at left-back, while the injured Joe Riley means the right-back berth looks particularly thread-bare other than youth team graduate Callum Roberts.

But the boss admitted Town have had a couple of permanent defensive offers rebuffed. With the boss hinting that Town have been unable to reach the wage demands required.

"We need to strengthen in defence and that's proving difficult at this moment in time," said the Town chief. "One or two things we thought might have happened haven't so we'll keep looking.

"Maybe the longer it goes there are less and less available but perhaps the ones that are have to come to terms with the realisation that the season's fast approaching and wage demands might have to drop.

"From that point of view hopefully we can find someone that fits the bill for us in terms of quality and financial side."

Today's capture of Norwich front man Carlton Morris means Hurst has sealed four loans. Just five are allowed in a League One match day squad.

Last season, from January onwards, Hurst had six loans at his disposal and regularly had to decide to leave one out of his squad.

He added: "I don't want to just jump in because we need someone. The longer it goes you're leaning towards loans and we've already got four.

"We've only got one to play with and don't want to be in the position we were last year with six and leaving one out of the match day squad.

"Ideally one more in terms of a loan and some permanents."