Iron chief Nigel Adkins says the club are actively trying to strengthen ahead of the new season, which starts in just over a week.

With injuries to goalkeeper Joe Murphy and defenders Andy Crosby and Joe Wilcox, Adkins is considering reinforcing in those areas, as well as in central midfield.

Speaking in his pre-Grimsby press conference, now playing on Iron World, Adkins said: "There's been a lot of talking going on, and this is the business side of the game where you try and put a deal together for the right person to come in, for the right price you can afford.

"We're working actively behind the scenes. We'll have to see how the week goes (with regards strengthening before the visit of Leeds next weekend).

"From a permanent point of view, the transfer window shuts at the end of August so we've got until then.

"The players we've got now know I'm trying to bring players in and they will work their socks off.

"We speak to a lot of people. There are clubs and agents involved, there are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes. You're relentlessly on the telephone, and then - all of a sudden - something just clicks that is right for your club at that moment of time, whether it's on a long or short-term basis."

The boss still hopes he can bring a Chelsea youngster in on loan, like the Iron successfully managed with Jack Cork last season, but revealed that the Blues are reluctant to let players leave on loan at this moment in time.

He added: "We spoke to Chelsea last week. There's going to be a hold on that. I'm not entirely sure of the full logistics of it but it's something to do with the UEFA list, and how long a player has to be at a football club so he can stay on that UEFA list. Should he go out on loan it would affect that."

Adkins explained that the club have made moves to try and Cork back to the club on loan, but isn't entirely optimistic of re-signing the England U19 international because a lot of bigger clubs are interested in last season's Scunthorpe United player of the year.

"Chelsea are well aware that we'd love to have Jack Cork back here," said the manager. "Jack Cork is well aware too, but I think in all reality when Jack does move out again - because he is working with the first team - it will be to a Championship club minimum.

"Realistically, for his development, going to a League One club after playing all last year in the Championship is probably looked at as a negative.

"It's unrealistic to expect, but we've asked the question."

Hear much more from Nigel Adkins on Iron World.