BURY manager Chris Casper will be running up a big phone bill over the next seven days as the countdown to the Football League's loan transfer deadline kicks in.

Any deals have to be finalised by next Thursday (March 23) and with a trio of players currently on temporary duty at Gigg Lane, Casper is keen to keep hold of all three.

He has already secured the services of Sheffield United striker Colin Marrison who will end his three-month stay on April 17.

Meanwhile, with goalkeeper Neil Edwards likely to be out for another month at least and his number two Craig Dootson out for the season, the manager is hoping to extend Kasper Schmeichel's loan from Manchester City.

The third deal involves Preston North End's 21-year-old winger Joe Anyinsah who, although at Gigg for the last month, has been out of action with a hamstring problem.

He looks likely to be back to full fitness by next weekend, although there could be a problem in lengthening his stay as fellow North End striker and former Shakers ace Dave Nugent, scored twice then broke his metatarsal in Tuesday night's 3-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

"Hopefully, Joe will be fit next week but Preston's manager Billy Davis will have to weigh up his options after Nugent getting injured," explained Casper.

"I don't know how that will affect us, hopefully it won't do, but he wouldn't be fit for this weekend anyway.

"Even if he doesn't play in the next three games there are still eight after that so it's well worth pursuing."

As for impressive teenager Schmeichel, Casper is cautiously optimistic City will allow him to stay for the rest of the campaign.

"Kasper's deal runs out on March 25 and hopefully Stuart Pearce will let him come out again, but we'll have to wait and see," he added.

"He's Stuart's player and he'll have to make that decision next week but hopefully he'll let us have him."