Manager Paul Buckle is confident of finalising a deal to bring Southampton winger Jake Thomson back for another Torquay United loan spell before tomorrow's League Two visit of Bradford City (3pm).
Thomson returned to St Mary's after Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Barnet, but the two clubs have agreed a deal that will see the 20-year-old return to Plainmoor for the rest of the season.
With transfer deadline day looming fast, Buckle also took the opportunity to cast his eye over a couple of new faces during yesterday's training session.
Exeter City striker Craig McAllister and Swansea City midfielder Kristian O'Leary both took part at Newton Abbot Racecourse, and are expected back for more training today.
"I've spoken to (Saints boss) Alan Pardew regarding Jake," reported Buckle. "They want Jake to stay here, which is great.
"Alan's given that his blessing, Jake wants to stay so hopefully by the close of play we'll have that one sealed.
"We've got Craig McAllister with us to have a look at him, and for him to have a look at us — Exeter have been very fair with that. Kris O'Leary is here training as well.
"We need to add, that's for sure, but I've found that very difficult.
"It's been phone call after phone call and, just when you think you've got one or two, they slip through the net.
"It's normally because of where we are in the country, so it's nothing against our football club, but more the fact of people moving.
"It's been very difficult, but if we have to go into battle with what we've got, that's what we'll do."
Chris Hargreaves' move to Oxford United is expected to be completed today, so Tyrone Thompson looks likely to keep his place in central midfield with captain Nicky Wroe.
Buckle should also have further wide options, with news that Wayne Carlisle could return to training today.
"I think I'm going to get Wayne Carlisle back, so that's a big plus," said the manager. "Danny Stevens has done great when he's come on. Eunan O'Kane has only played a bit-part at the moment, but he's a fantastic prospect.
"So all the squad is very content and very happy, and it's a positive place to be."
Last week Burton Albion came to Plainmoor on a lean run.
They beat United 3-2 and followed up with a 1-0 midweek home victory over Lincoln, which did the Gulls no harm.
And, if anything, Bradford are even more desperate for a result.
The biggest club in the division — the Bantams expected to be among the promotion contenders — have taken only one point out of the last 15 and have now slipped into the bottom half of the table.
They've won only three times in 13 games at Valley Parade, including a 2-0 verdict over the Gulls there in August.
Manager Stuart McCall is under predictable pressure.
Ironically, at a time when United are leaning towards younger players, McCall has one of the most experienced squads in League Two.
It includes former Gulls midfielder Chris Brandon, now 33. Veteran striker Peter Thorne, 36, could return after injury, but top-scorer James Hanson is ruled out with a back injury.