Dover are hoping to sign an experienced defender before their next National League clash on Saturday at home to AFC Fylde.

Andy Hessenthaler revealed earlier this week that Whites were close to completing a deal.

The Dover boss has been trying to get a central defender in for several weeks after Connor Essam left to join Concord Rangers on loan.

Last week Ryan Huckle returned to Gillingham following the end of his loan spell and Manny Adebowale went out to Eastbourne Borough for a month.

Hessenthaler said: “We have spoken to one defender and are waiting on him. We have pretty much done a deal and it’s subject to him sorting out a few things.

“I would like to think we would have it sorted by the end of the week.”

Hessenthaler had also been trying to get the fitness of the players up by going to full-time training and they also played several behind closed doors friendlies last month.

He said: “We are getting there with fitness. There are a couple that still need to get up to speed.

“I am mindful of the period we have coming up because of Christmas and new year so we have to keep everyone available.

“You only have to pick up a couple of injuries and it can make things difficult.”