Downing is looking for a striker to replace Steven Gillespie

Cheltenham Town manager Keith Downing has said he is interested in signing Southend striker Gary Hooper.

The 20-year-old scored 12 goals in 19 games while on loan at Hereford last season and Southend value the transfer-listed forward at around �100,000.

Downing said: "Gary is one of many players on my list and we've heard some very good things about him."

Meanwhile left-back Alan Wright has signed a new one year deal, as a result Lee Ridley has been transfer listed.

Downing said he is keen to strengthen his squad: "We're probably a bit lightweight in wide areas, we need some competition there and we need another striker."

Injured assistant Bob Bloomer is tracking potential new players and Downing added: "I'm still looking and Bob's job is now sitting behind a desk to try and collate as much information as we possibly can.

We are actively in the transfer market at the moment looking at players and that includes strikers Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker

Meanwhile chairman Paul Baker will not let striker Steven Gillespie leave until a replacement is lined up and he also thinks they can get more than the �350,000 currently on offer.

Baker said: "If you look at some of the transfer fees that are going round at the moment for League One and Two strikers, I certainly think that we may be able to do better.

"We're not in a rush to sell Gillespie and before we sell him we want to make sure we've got a decent replacement.

"We are actively in the transfer market at the moment looking at players and that includes strikers."