Cheltenham boss John Ward has confirmed that he made an approach for Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson.
Ward is eager to bring in midfield reinforcements following the sale of key man Grant McCann to Barnsley but was spurned in his bid to bring in the Icelander.
The 31-year-old has struggled for playing time at the Premiership strugglers but proved to be their hero last weekend in heading home his side's equaliser against Manchester United.
Ward is to continue to scour the market for fresh faces, although he accepts his move for Gunnarsson is unlikely to bear fruit.
"I asked Steve Coppell if I could have Gunnarsson on loan but nothing came of it," said Ward.
"I then had to smile when I saw him score at Old Trafford.
"We didn't get him but at least it shows I am asking for some good players."