MARINERS NEAR HESLOP DEAL

Buckley - wants Heslop.

Grimsby are set to complete the signing of Barnsley midfielder Simon Heslop on a three-month loan deal.

The 21-year-old looked set to join Grimsby's League Two rivals Port Vale last month, but will now link up with the Mariners on Monday with a view to a permanent deal at Blundell Park.

Grimsby boss Alan Buckley has injury concerns over fellow midfielders Paul Bolland and Danny Boshell, and told the club's official website he was delighted to add Heslop to his squad.

"He's a decent footballer," said Buckley, "as you would expect when he's been groomed by a club like Barnsley.

"He's only 21 so there's a lot of football in him, and with the injuries to Bolly and Bosh I felt I had to do something to make us up numerically.

"The lad will come here with a view to a permanent deal, and if we like the look of him and he likes the look of us, then we will pursue it further."