CHRIS Powell has revealed the Addicks were close to bringing in fresh faces this week before the deals broke down.

The Addicks boss admitted after his side’s win at Welling a fortnight ago he would ideally like to strengthen his squad in up to three areas.

No new signings have been completed since then and when asked by News Shopper after today’s 2-0 win at Bromley whether those deals were any closer, the manager replied: “I would have said yes in the middle of the week but I will say no now because they sort of break down, the talks.

“I’m no closer to anyone at the moment, which is a bit of a shame because I was down the line with one or two of them, but that is just how it goes at the minute.

“We’ve got Kerkar as well from Glasgow Rangers, who played for us against Barnet and he showed up well so we will see what happens with him.”

There were six trialists on show at Hayes Lane but former French U21 international central defender Dorian Dervite, who was with Spurs as a youngster before joining Villareal B in 2010, was the only one to start the game.

Powell said: “A number of them are younger trialists that have been in the development group, so I’ve only really seen them since I’ve been back from Spain.

“Nathan Jones our new development coach has been dealing with those guys.

“Dorian Dervite the centre back is more one that we will be looking for with the first team group but he has only had three days training and 60 minutes today so hopefully he will extend his stay.

“We’ve had a good look at him and I would like a better look at him and then we will go from there.”

The remaining five trialists all came off the bench and Powell admitted 18-year-old youngster Fabio Sairava, whose trial from Merstham has been extended, had caught the eye after setting up the second goal for Joe Piggott.

“A superb ball,” was how The Valey chief described it.

“I think he will remain on trial with us for the foreseeable future because you like to give them a chance and see them not only in training but in games.

“He showed up quite well today. I was pleased with all the players today.

“It was a good workout for our boys and a local game for us, which alongside Welling are games we like to come to.

“It was interesting.

“The first half I thought was 50-50 really but the two goals we scored were very, very good goals and I suppose we ran out quite comfortable in the end to win 2-0.

“It was a good workout for all the players and a few trialists on show, so I’m really pleased.”

One man the Addicks boss will not be chasing up is former loanee Darel Russell, who is a free agent after being released by Preston this month.

Powell added: “He did very well for us last year.

“Obviously he had a couple of sendings off but he hasn’t been on the radar.

“I thanked him for his services.

“I’ve still got a medal to give to him but he isn’t one we are actively looking at at the moment.”

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