SO it could be Scott Kerr, but it most definitely won't be Dean Keates.
Joint boss Rob Scott gave the latest on the Mariners' search for a central-midfielder in the Telegraph earlier this week.
And, after confirming that former Lincoln and York City man Kerr is on the wanted list, he ruled out a move for Keates.
The Wrexham skipper put that one to bed completely by penning a new deal with the Red Dragons yesterday.
Kerr, meanwhile, would be a handy addition to a Grimsby Town squad that currently boasts just two 'centre-mids' – captain Craig Disley and youngster Andi Thanoj.
Speaking to one of our counterparts at the York Press newspaper this week, Kerr was described as an up-and-down midfielder who retains possession but also adds a physical presence in the middle of the park.
Sounds like the real deal – sign him up!
The 31-year-old would also provide some much-needed experience for a youthful Town squad, and has tasted promotion from the Conference with the Minstermen.
The one question mark hanging over the former Leeds United trainee must be his injury record in recent years.
A cruciate ligament injury put him out of action for seven months last year before a back problem ended his season prematurely in April.
With such a small squad pencilled in for next season, the Mariners certainly can't afford to carry any passengers next time around.
While the need for experience is all well and good, Kerr's age could also be a concern for some fans.
If he were to partner Disley, that would see a Town central midfield consisting of two 31-year-olds.
Now, no one can question the skipper's engine after last season's heroics but would some youthful vitality alongside him be a better option?
A criticism levelled at the Town midfield in the 2012/13 campaign was that it looked one-dimensional at times, especially at home when opponents came to defend.
It may be idle speculation or plucking names out of the air, but an all-action midfielder in the shape of Lincoln City's Alan Power could be an attractive alternative.
The 25-year-old had an impressive season at Sincil Bank, reaching double- figures, including a goal in each of the derby matches over the festive period.
Power is currently considering a contract offer from the Imps after his initial one-year deal ended.
But given Lincoln's much-publicised financial difficulties last season, I'm sure he wouldn't cost the earth and certainly wouldn't have to move far!
Who would you like to see in the Mariners engine room? Comment on this story on our website at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/sport
