Neal Ardley has extended his search for David Connolly’s replacement after seeing a deal for a striker fall through at the 11th hour.

We exclusively revealed the AFC Wimbledon manager was closing in on a new forward following veteran Connolly’s decision to retire.

The 37-year-old’s retirement, coupled with Matt Tubbs’ departure for Portsmouth in January, left Ardley short of options up front.

He had a loan move in the works over the weekend and was in advanced talks with a Championship club about borrowing a player.

It was almost over the line on Monday but the striker then impressed for his club’s development squad on Tuesday and the plug was pulled.

“We had a very good player on our list,” Ardley explained to Dons Player.

Match action: AFC Wimbledon's Bayo Akinfenwa takes on York

“It was all set up on Monday and we were very positive that we could get him. Unfortunately, he then played for the Under-21s at his club and was exceptional.

“The first team manager was watching and said that he wanted to hold fire because he might be in his squad at the weekend.

“The plan B and C that we have is not really what we are looking for at the moment and we still have our eyes open. We want an ideal type to take us forward.

“Rather than try and rush it to get him in before Saturday, we will give it a week.

The wait goes on: Neal Ardley

“We may revisit the other player and see if he is in the first-team squad.

“We will do our best to get the right type in.”

It means Ardley is likely to stick with Ade Azeez and Bayo Akinfenwa as his forward-line for tomorrow’s trip to Exeter City.

Jake Goodman is unlikely to be risked despite stepping up his recovery this week, while former Brentford defender Andy Frampton has joined Connolly in hanging up his boots.

Tom Beere is also set to miss out with a hamstring strain.