ACCRINGTON Stanley have made Leeds United goalkeeper Alan Martin their number one target in their bid to replace the departed Kenny Arthur.

Stanley are expected to complete the signing of former Carlisle midfielder Luke Joyce on a one-year contract this morning – when existing players Jimmy Ryan, Chris Turner and Phil Edwards are also due to finally put pen to paper on new deals.

The Reds have now turned their attention towards a replacement for regular keeper Arthur, who shocked the club two weeks ago by joining Rochdale at the end of his contract.

Back-up goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin has already agreed a new deal but Stanley are keen to bring in a new first-choice goalkeeper and are hopeful of signing Martin, a 20-year-old Scot who started his career at Motherwell and has two years left on his contract at Elland Road.

Like Joyce, Martin was on loan at Barrow last season.

“We’re looking at him as our number one target,” said Stanley assistant boss Jimmy Bell.

The Reds also retain some hope of signing 6ft 5in Stockport County striker Matty McNeil, although they have hit a stumbling block after the 32-year-old’s initial wage demands proved beyond Stanley’s reach.

Stanley have moved considerably closer to agreeing a deal with Peterborough to sign defender Kieran Charnock, on loan with the Reds last season.

Fellow centre back Darran Kempson is also nearing a return to the club, with Stanley hopeful of agreeing a deal with Wrexham once their manager, Dean Saunders, returns from holiday.

In addition, Stanley are optimistic of bringing back Liverpool striker Craig Lindfield on another loan deal.