Leiston boss Steve Ball has signed former Blues midfielder Michael Brothers and is hopeful of completing a deal to bring AFC Sudbury defender Scott Mitchell to the Ryman League Premier Division club.

Ball, who also works for Colchester United as an academy coach, has also targeted a third, unnamed player, who is thought to be on the radars of several clubs.

Sudbury boss David Batch has already turned down one bid for Mitchell, who is part of the staff at Ipswich Town’s academy, and Ball is waiting for the West Suffolk club’s response after making a second offer for the former Lowestoft player.

“I am already making plans for next season,” said Ball.

“I have got some really big targets lined up and one that I can talk about is Scott Mitchell who can play in central defence and midfield.

“Our first bid was turned down but we are hoping that Sudbury accept our second one, though it might go down to more negotiations.”

Ex-Leiston forward Brothers ended last season as a Needham Market player, after joining from Stanway Rovers, and was part of the team that lost 1-0 in the Ryman North semi-final at Witham Town.

“He played 10 games for Needham at the end of the season and is a good addition,” explained Ball.

“We have also got two or three other players lined up but I am getting my first taste with regards to where the football club is located. It is not ideal and there is travelling involved for most players.”

Ball revealed he is also in talks with Craig Parker over re-signing at Victory Road, although the Blues boss admitted the former Chelmsford player was exploring other avenues.

“He has given me an indication that he wants to sign but he is looking at his options.”

Ball added: “I am juggling two or three balls at the moment in terms of my squad for next season.”

Meanwhile, Ball believes his chances of bringing in more young loanees from Colchester could be restricted next term.

Jack Simmons, Connor Hubble and Nnamdi Nwachuku all spent time on-loan at Victory Road last season but the U’s plans to become a Category Two Academy could affect that arrangement.

“We are hoping we are awarded Category Two status at Colchester, but what will happen is that the under-21 schedule will be filled with more teams to play, so there will be less chances to get players in on loan,” he said.

“But such is our relationship with the club, that if Colchester players get the chance to go out on loan, we would like to think that Leiston would be one of their first choices.”