MANCHESTER United defender Lee Roche has slipped through Andy King's grasp and the Town boss is warning supporters that 'so near and yet so far' will be an all too familiar tale this summer.

The 22-year-old right-back, who featured briefly in the Red Devils' Champions League campaign, was on King's shortlist but the youngster looks to be Bradford City-bound.

The Town boss said: "I have watched the boy play and have spoken at length with Manchester United coach Ricky Sbragia.

"But it comes down to finances again and it looks like he will become a Bradford City player."

But missing out on one target simply means stepping up efforts to land others.

King has met with two unnamed players over the last 24 hours and spoken to another three over the telephone.

And two French players who caught King's eye at the County Ground trial games a fortnight ago are not being completely ruled out.

He said: "There is the possibility of something being done but I'm not sure it's something I will definitely pursue.

"The PFA released players list is also out next week and as I have said, I have names already on my list.

"Whether I get them or not is another question.

"Luke Beckett is someone who would interest me but he is being talked about in terms of hundreds of thousands.

"I simply cannot compete with clubs who are going to be offering that sort of cash."

King has warned fans that they will have to be patient over the next couple of months.

He said: "I know supporters want lots of gossip and new faces to talk about but the summer can be a frustrating time.

"Things take time and I think the vast majority of supporters understand that."

So although it may be some time before a new face is pictured at the County Ground clutching the obligatory scarf over his head, King is hopeful that patience will indeed prove to be a virtue.

He said: "I will not be bringing in new faces simply for the sake of it.

"Players have to not only fit within the financial structure of the club, they have to complement and improve what I already have.

"I want a new striker but it has to be a striker who will work effectively alongside Sam Parkin.

"At the back, the same is true of Matty Heywood and so on in midfield.

"Rest assured, I will be working hard to help us build on last year and to progress further."

As revealed exclusively in the Evening Advertiser yesterday, Barnet striker Junior Agogo will not be joining Town.

Reports elsewhere suggested Town were ready to reach a compromise with the Conference club but King dismissed such speculation.

He said: "I have had a call from the player's agent that the boy is going to Peterborough.

"It just shows how things can spiral in football.

"Six figures is being talked about, and all this after we offered £35,000 just a few weeks ago."

King has recommended former Town defender Gareth Edds to a fellow Second Division manager.

The Australian Under 23 international was shown the County Ground door earlier this month.