TRIALIST goalkeeper Ted Smith remains locked in talks with Richie Wellens amid reports that Swindon Town are interested in signing Motherwell stopper Trevor Carson.

Wellens did not ccategorically rule out signing the Northern Ireland internationala Crason when quizzed about the link after Tuesday night’s EFL Trophy defeat at home against Chelsea U21s.

But the Town boss doesn’t consider himself to be anywhere near to completing a deal for Carson, and is more likely to snap up Smith – who featured against Coventry City and Melksham Town in pre-season.

“I like Trevor (Carson). He is a player I know well,” said Wellens.

“He’s a good goalkeeper but the link in terms of us being close to signing him isn’t true.

“Trevor is a player I am aware of, and I quite like him. But in terms of getting him in, no.

“We’re trying to speak to Ted Smith’s agent. What we don’t want to do is waste anyone’s time.

“We want a clear idea of what he wants in terms of his wages, and then we’ll see if we can move things forward or not.

“At the right price, there is some interest in Ted.”

Wellens has vowed to add three fresh faces to his squad before the summer transfer window closes on Monday, September 2.

As well as a fourth goalkeeper, the Town boss also wants to attract a standout midfielder in addition to the proven goalscorer he has been trying to snap up for several weeks.

Nicky Maynard, Jamie Devitt and Danny Mayor are three targets Wellens has gone on record to say he missed out on due to wage demands.

He also looked at Carlisle United midfielder – and last season’s loan signing – Canice Carroll, who will make a County Ground return on Saturday when the Cumbrian outfit visit SN1 in League Two.

Wellens added: “Canice (Carroll) is a player I like and he has good character – he’s a good footballer.

“If he starts, I’m sure he will be screaming, shouting, pointing and organising his team. He’s a really likeable lad and I hope he has a good time at Carlisle.

“He’s a great person. But we need to make sure we get the right goalkeeper, the right striker and I still think we’re short on legs in midfield.

“Jordan Lyden was our best player last Saturday against Scunthorpe, and we missed him badly on Tuesday against Chelsea U21s because he plays the game simple.

“I’m not worried, but we haven’t got the squad to cope with the games in August.”