STEVE Davis has declared his interest in Championship midfielders John Lundstram and David Fox.

Both are among nine names identified by the Alex boss as he looks to start assembling his squad for the new season.

A former England Under 20 international, Lundstram has been released by Everton without ever breaking into the first team.

However the 21-year-old has clocked up almost 70 appearances during loan spells in both the Championship and League One – most recently Blackpool and Scunthorpe.

Ex-Manchester United trainee Fox is currently training at Reaseheath after leaving Colchester to chase a move up North.

The 31-year-old helped Norwich to back-to-back promotions and the Premiership in 2012 and is also available on a free.

‘We’re not anywhere near with John at the moment but we are talking to his agent,” confirmed Davis.

“We know about him.

“He’s played in the Championship and did well for Blackpool last season and he’s played for England with Nick Powell up to the under-21s.

“He’s still only 21, talented and one of a number of players that we’re interested in.

“John would improve us no end, he has great sell-on potential and we know we can get more out of him.

“He’s a young lad but with good experience and has already been involved in two promotions so he’s the calibre of player we’re looking to bring in.

“He’s not made any decisions, we just know we are in there with a chance.

“With David, we don’t regard him as a triallist.

“He’s looking for a club and doesn’t want to be left behind in pre-season training.

“He’s a nice lad and would be a good fit for us.

“He’s experienced and would be good around the young players but there are others we’d like to bring in as well.

“I know some clubs have made signings but when you are looking for quality, sometimes you have to be patient.”

Once billed as ‘the new Drogba’, Souleymane Coulibaly is also currently training at Reaseheath as he looks to rebuild his career.

Top scorer in the 2011 under-17 World Cup, the forward was snapped up by Spurs but failed to make an impact and headed off for an unsuccessful stint in Italy.

“He had a massive reputation as a kid,” added David.

“He scored some fantastic goals in that tournament and everyone in the world was chasing him.

“He’s a bit like Lauri (Dalla Valle) that he wants to get his career going again and he’s only 20 so he’s got a lot of time to get his appetite back.

“I want him to be successful because if he is, ultimately we’ll do something with him.”