Cobblers close to captures

Left-back Newey, who made three appearances during a month's loan at Sixfields this season, has been released by Oxford while Holmes has been on loan from Portsmouth.

The midfielder has scored once in four games since joining from Pompey at the start of the month and Wilder is confident he can sign both ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet League Two trip to Accrington.

"I don't think it's any secret Ricky sees his future away from Portsmouth and sees his future here," he told Cobblers Player. "We have been trying ever-so-hard to make it happen. Hopefully we're close today. All three parties have to agree to it but Ricky had a change of scenery and is enjoying his football.

"He has told me he wants to stop and he sees his future away from Fratton Park so hopefully he'll be one to sort out before the weekend.

"We're speaking to Tom today and we'd like to get him in the building. We do need a replacement for Gregor Robertson and hopefully we can get it over the line."