Folkestone are in talks with two transfer targets after re-signing most of their title-winning squad.

Club captain Liam Friend has agreed a new deal as have fellow defenders Frankie Chappell, Josh Vincent, Nat Blanks and goalkeeper Tim Roberts.

Phil Starkey is also staying, while Scott Heard and Harry Smith were already contracted for next season. A new deal for Ian Draycott was announced last week and striker Carl Rook is also set to play on at the Fullicks Stadium.

Folkestone boss Neil Cugley said: "People think ‘that’s it’ now, it’s a quiet time but it’s the busiest time we have, trying to arrange friendlies, offering terms to players for next year and trying to get players in.

"It should all be done, hopefully, this week. I’m talking to a couple of players and they’ve been involved in Conference clubs so their season is just finishing.

"By the end of last season, we were down to 14 so we need to bring in a couple to get that back up. We’re talking to those players this week.

"I just want a stronger squad. It’s hard, you don’t own them at this level, people have holidays or work commitments and sometimes you have to accept that.

"It’s not ideal but you can’t be caught out. Last year, sometimes we had people away or working and it didn’t cost us but it could cost you in this league (the Ryman Premier).

"We’ve got to be stronger all round and I’m looking for one in each place. I’m talking to a forward at the moment and versatility is going to be important.

"I’m looking for a player who can come in and play in quite a few positions. Phil Starkey proved what a good signing he was because he can play centre-half, full-back and in midfield.

"I’m looking for another person like that. We are only talking about maybe two in, two out, so it’s not going to be a massive turnaround of players.

"We haven’t got the finances to suddenly change the whole format of our club."

Read the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.