ANDY KING believes the current uncertainty surrounding two of Chelsea's high-profile strikers is hampering his attempts to secure Sam Parkin's services.

The 21-year-old has scored twice in successive games for Town but King has yet to receive the blessing of Claudio Ranieri to agree a loan deal.

The manager was a noticeable absentee at Twerton Park last night as a second string Town side lost 1-0 to Bath City.

King was away watching a potential new recruit but he could not hide his growing frustration at the time it is taking to get Parkin on board.

He said: "I still hope I can tie up a deal by the end of the week but my situation is not helped when you read about Chelsea's strikers being linked with moves and being unsettled over money.

"If their manager is not sure about whether Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's future and the stories about Eidur Gudjohnsen looking for more money are true, then he is going to be in no rush to start loaning players.

"Hopefully I can sort something out with Chelsea over Parkin but the point I am making is that there are no favours in football anymore.

"I spoke to a Premiership manager about a player yesterday but he wanted to see how his squad looked when the season started before making a decision.

"It's understandable. I'm not sure I'd be looking to loan out my fringe players at this stage either, not until I was sure I had the squad sorted that I wanted."

As for other 'targets' Bolton Wanderers' David Norris has been told that his financial demands are currently outside King's budget but the deal is not dead.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce remains keen for the player to join Town on a year's loan but knows he cannot force him to.

King said: "I don't want players coming here who are not committed to the cause.

"Clearly I feel he would have something to offer but he would not be a cheap option."

Buckingham Town midfielder Darren Dykes is likely to be offered a short term deal which the manager hopes he will accept.

He said: "This club is not in a position to or is prepared to offer anyone long term deals.

"I think Darren has ability but clearly he has a lot to learn. I will be speaking to him and seeing how he sees his future."

Sadly for King, another triallist, Australian defender Gareth Edds, looks to have fractured a finger and will be out of action for three weeks.

King said: "It is very unfortunate for the lad. He picked up the injury against Hereford. I was hoping to have another look at him against Wimbledon on Saturday.

"As I said the other night, I feel I am still two players short of the squad I want, The search goes on."

Town's Under 14's were beaten 3-2 by Israeli side Maccabi Haifa in the quarter final of the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland.

Goals from Mitchell Wyatt and Tom Valentine were not quite enough to see Jimmy Fraser's side through to the last four.

They now enter a play-off group for the honour of finishing fifth. Town were due to face County Antrim today.