HUNT ON FOR TARGET MAN

Hopkin hoping for 20 goal-a-season striker

David Hopkin is stepping up his hunt for a new number nine as Ayr prepare for their pre-season return.

The United boss (right) spent the weekend bidding to lure a target man to Somerset Park.

And with the Honest Men currently light on attacking options, Hopkin knows his need to strike is increasing with each day.

He told the Post: “We’re working very hard on things and I’ve held encouraging talks.

“But until you have someone in your office willing to sign, you never know. What’s clear is that we need to boost our options up front.

“We’ve lost five players from the top end of the pitch and we need to address that.

“Luke McCowan, Tom Walsh, Andre Wright, Craig Moore and Dario Zanatta have all left the squad. So that’s a big gap which we really need to fill.” Hopkin’s four summer signings to date have been defensive acquisitions. And he said: “The most important thing I felt I had to do was get the base of the side right.

“There were certain problems I identified from the moment I came in last season, so I wanted to get that sorted first.

“But I’m under no illusions that we need extra bodies in to complement what we have.”

Hopkin added: “It’s a very competitive market and we’re fishing in the same pond as a lot of teams at the moment.

“Everyone would like that proven goalscorer who guarantees you 20 goals but they are extremely hard to come by.

“When you get one, they are worth their weight in gold.”

Hopkin is likely to run the rule over trialist goalkeepers when United return for preseason next week.

He said: “I’m prepared to wait to get the right one. You do not want to just take anyone for the sake of it.”

Ayr will play Burnley’s under 23s at Somerset on July 17 as part of the new linkup between the clubs.

Hopkin added: “It will be a good chance to get a look at their squad and see which of their boys might suit us for loan deals.”