CHRIS Long will become Wanderers’ first signing of the winter transfer window after agreeing a loan move from Burnley.

The 21-year-old former Everton striker terminated his spell at promotion-rivals Fleetwood on Friday and agreed terms with the Whites over the weekend.

Long scored four goals in 23 appearances on the Fylde coast – including three in his first five games – but struggled to adapt to a squad rotation system employed by Fleetwood boss Uwe Rosler.

Phil Parkinson wanted to add some pace to his front line, missing since the departure of Sammy Ameobi, and sees the former England youth international as a key addition in the promotion run-in.

Long’s signing is expected to be announced this morning by a club still smarting from defeat against 10-man Charlton and further signings are possible before tomorrow’s deadline.

Former Stoke City and Cardiff City striker Peter Odemwingie watched from the stands on Saturday, with club sources refusing to completely rule out the possibility of a deal.

The 35-year-old trialled with Wanderers last October but opted to sign a short-term deal with Rotherham United, which expires at the end of this month.

He could, therefore, be available to sign after the deadline, depending on what space is available in a squad restricted to 23 by the terms of the Football League transfer embargo.

Including Long, Wanderers have four loanees and can only name five on a matchday, which is another consideration for Parkinson as he looks to strengthen.

Heading in the opposite direction, Chris Taylor looks set to re-join his former club Oldham Athletic after being excluded from the squad on Saturday against Charlton.

Wanderers could go further in their clear-out, too, with Jamie Proctor subject to interest from League Two Portsmouth and the likes of Liam Trotter, Conor Wilkinson, Dorian Dervite, Lewis Buxton and Dean Moxey all potentially up for grabs.

Parkinson made no secret of the fact he wants fresh blood after a disappointing performance at the weekend.

“We have got a busy couple of days anyway – but this kind of performance only highlights things,” he said.