Wanderers are set to land striker Gaetano Giallanza.

The former Swiss under-21 international is on the brink of ending Colin Todd's extensive search for fresh strike power to help shoot Wanderers out of the Premiership drop zone.

It is understood the 25-year-old has done enough in a brief trial to earn himself a contract at the Reebok Stadium until the end of the season.

Todd has scoured Europe for more strike power for months but must act quickly with the transfer deadline looming on Thursday.

Wanderers will have to cut through red tape to secure the talents of Giallanza, a £1.3 million signing for French club FC Nantes last summer.

They are believed to be ready to act after being impressed with the 25-year-old in training since he was flown in by an agent last week.

Meanwhile, mystery surrounds transfer speculation linking two of Wanderers' current strike stars with moves.

Crystal Palace and Wimbledon are being touted as rivals for the signing of Dean Holdsworth in the close season, while Peter Beardsley, who turned down a loan move to Third Division Leyton Orient last week, is understood to be on Preston boss David Moyes' priority list as he bids to strengthen his squad before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Wanderers keeper Keith Branagan has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for their midweek game in the Czech Republic after Sheffield United's Alan Kelly had to pull out through injury.

If Branagan plays he will earn his second international cap.

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