Orient boss Russell Slade is hoping to strengthen his squad

But he might have to wheel and deal

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Orient manager Russell Slade admits he would like to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes – with a midfield man his top target.

“We’ve probably got to wheel and deal a bit, but we will see what happens,” he said.

“It would be nice to strengthen it a little bit more.”

Orient are currently without influential skipper Stephen Dawson after he suffered an ankle injury at Carlisle.

“We’re missing Dawson in midfield for the next four or five weeks, so if we can do something we will look in that area,” he said.

Orient travel to Preston North End at the weekend and new signing Dean Leacock is set to make his debut after joining from Derby County, but it could be Lee Cook’s last game as his two-month loan spell from QPR is up.

The O’s travel to Preston as Graham Westley takes charge at Deepdale and Slade admitted: “He did a terrific job at Stevenage and has moved to a new club.

“It’s a new challenge and new venture for him and we and look forward to seeing him again.”