By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

31st Jan, 2020 | 10:46am

Exclusive: Salford City in advanced talks to sign Fleetwood defender

Salford City are in advanced talks to sign Fleetwood Town defender Ashley Eastham, Football Insider understands.

Salford are keen to bolster their squad before today’s transfer deadline and have lined up a permanent move for Eastham.

Centre-back Eastham has made 15 appearances in all competitions for Fleetwood this season, but a Fleetwood source has told Football Insider that Cod Army boss Joey Barton is willing to let him move on.

Centre-back Eastham has made 15 appearances in all competitions for Fleetwood this season, but Cod Army boss Joey Barton is willing to let him move on.

Eastham joined Fleetwood in 2016 from Rochdale and he has made over 160 appearances for the club. However, he hasn’t started a game for Barton’s side since the defeat to Burton Albion earlier this month.

Salford are currently in 12th spot in League Two, eight points off the play-off places and Ammies boss Graham Alexander sees Eastham as a key addition to his plans.

If Eastham makes the move to Salford he will join former Fleetwood team-mate Ashley Hunter at the ambitious League Two club, who have risen quickly up the Football League pyramid.

Salford are expected to be busy before the transfer window slams shut and are in talks to sign Aberdeen striker James Wilson.

Football Insider revealed that Dons manager Derek McInnes is willing to let the 24-year-old leave after falling down the pecking order at Pittodrie.

In other Salford news, the Ammies have had a bid rejected for a League One striker they see as an ideal signing.