ONE more signing made this week, and confident of another two to come next week. Craig Hignett is busy working through his A-list of transfer targets.

The capture of Dover skipper and midfielder Nicky Deverdics was followed on Thursday by centre-half Toto Nsiala from Grimsby.

"We're signing good players,’’ said Hignett. "Nicky was the best midfielder in the National League and Toto probably the best defender.

"If they are wanting to come here we must be doing something right. Next week we'll have some more.’’

With loanees Jake Gray and Luke James back at their parent clubs, there’s an attacking spot Hignett is out to fill.

And while Nsiala will step into the void left by Adam Jackson going back to Middlesbrough, Hignett still wants an extra centre-half.

Rob Jones is to take up his contract offer, Michael Woods likewise, as Rakish Bingham and Michael Duckworth pursue their careers elsewhere.

Jackson remains an option for Pools, but they need to engage in meaningful talks with Boro otherwise he will remain at the Riverside for the final year of his contract.

"It's something we are still trying to get to the bottom of,’’ admitted Hignett. "Until Middlesbrough phone us back, there's nothing we can do with Jacko.

"We've got Matty (Bates) here and we're looking to add Rob as cover, I thought he was great for us last season.

"I'd like to get another one in if I'm honest, I'll be speaking to a couple of other defenders.

"If I get one of them, and I'm not far off another signing, then we'll be ready for the season.’’

He added: "We'll have four good centre-halves who have all played a lot of games - Toto played 40-odd games for Grimsby last season.

"I want competition for places, we might have some good players sitting on the bench, it's up to all the players to push themselves.’’

Nsiala, DR Congo-born, but based on Merseyside since 2002, started his career at Everton before moving to Accrington. He has one international cap, for Congo in an African Nations Cup qualifier in 2012.

Hignett admitted: "You wouldn't know it by his name, but yes, he's a Scouser, we have a few here now, you can't have too many Scousers!

"But it's all about footballer for me, not where people are from.

"Toto can play at this level, the level above and possibly the one above that.

"It's up to me to get it out of him, but it's certainly all in there.

"He's a player, he can bring the ball out and he's certainly not afraid to have the ball. He's got ability.

"He'll be a real asset for us I'm sure"

Hignett has had a short summer break, his players are back for pre-season on Wednesday, June 29. Before they take on Sunderland at Victoria Park on July 20, Pools go to Tenerife for a training camp, where they will play a couple of friendlies.

By then he wants his squad in place, and his summer work is paying off.

Hignett and coach Curtis Fleming have travelled to meet players across the country, with the Pools boss feeling his approach is worthwhile.

Nsiala, also courted by Blackpool and Notts County amonst others, admitted he was won over after meeting the Pools’ boss and Hignett reflected: "I've done a lot of miles to see people and it's important I do. A lot of managers don't to that, they just ring agents.

"But me and Curtis have got out and put the miles in to sit down and talk to these lads and say 'we really want you' and 'this is what we want to do with the club'.

"Everyone we've been to see are keen to take up the offer.

"I was always impressed if a manager came to see me face to face.

"Yes, I had managers who phoned me up, but it's not the same, if a boss took the time out to see me I knew that I was really wanted.

"I'm going four to five fours to see players because I feel it's important.’’