THE hunt is on for a centre-half to lead North End's defence next season.

With Michael Jackson missing the start of the Division One campaign through suspension and Ryan Kidd out injured, manager David Moyes has made defensive reinforcements his top priority.

It is a situation he didn't expect to find himself in at the end of last season, but one he is determined to resolve fast.

He said: "The centre half position isn't something I felt we needed to desperately strengthen, but with Michael Jackson being sent off at Cambridge and the Ryan Kidd's neck operation it means we are looking around.

"It is quite possible we will have to start the season without those two players, and that will be a massive blow to us."

However, Moyes still believes that throwing money at a situation isn't necessarily the best way to solve it. He added: "Whether we bring in a new player or a loan player, or whether there is someone at the club who can fill that role, is something we are looking at."

As usual, a wealth of names have been suggested for the position, most surprisingly that of ex-Liverpool man John Scales.

Only time will tell whether there is any truth in that rumour.

But Moyes is confident of further strengthening his squad before the start of the new season.

He said: "I am still looking around but will only sign players who I think improve the squad."

And, speaking quite candidly, Moyes set out his stall regarding Sean Gregan.

"I am certainly not in the business of selling my best players, and Sean Gregan is going nowhere.

"I repeat that we have not had any offers for Sean Gregan. And if we had got any, we would turn them down anyway.

"Some figures being banded about by the press are ridiculous. I'm sure intelligent North End supporters take it all with a pinch of salt anyway."