Ferguson targeting final signing

Ferguson has led Posh to back-to-back promotions

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson has revealed he intends to make just one more signing before the start of the season.

Ferguson remains on the hunt for a defender as his fourth summer signing, with a deal for Stockport's Josh Thompson having seemingly stalled.

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "There's only one more player I'm trying to get in and then that's it.

"We need a defender and if we can get the one I'm after then I'll be happy."

The club have made offers for a number of forwards over the summer, but now look set to start the season without any new additions up front.

Last season's top scorer, Craig Mackail-Smith, has been struggling with an injury relating to his body alignment problems since returning to training, but Ferguson is adamant he will be fit come the big kick-off.

"Craig has a slight groin problem, but we're hopeful it won't become too much of a issue," he said.

"He's had this problem for a couple of years, but I'm certain he can still play despite the discomfort and he'll be ready for the start of the season."

In further injury news, the club have confirmed that midfielder Chris Whelpdale has undergone a hernia operation which is likely to see him miss the start of the new campaign.

However Ferguson feels he has enough options to cover for the former Ipswich youngster.

606: DEBATE I'm sure we'll cope but we aren't too strong down the right side TheNewNealeFenn

"We've got lots of possible permutations on the right so I'm not concerned at all," he said.

"We've been doing a lot of work in training; Dominic Green can play there, Shaun Batt can play and George Boyd can play there."

Meanwhile, chairman Darragh MacAnthony has revealed that Luton paid a loan fee of £60,000 for striker Liam Hatch and will pay £175,000 for the striker at the end of next season.

Posh placed 12 players on the transfer-list at the start of the summer, with only five having left the club as yet.

They have signed Tommy Rowe, Toumani Diagouraga and Lee Frecklington so far this summer as they prepare for life in the Championship.