Barnet head coach Martin Allen has confirmed he is still after at least one more player, with a centre-back understood to be his primary target.

The departure of David Stephens last week has left the Bees with just two senior centre-backs – Bondz N’Gala and Bira Dembele – whilst veteran defender Michael Nelson is currently training with the Bees in order to earn a contract.

Allen also revealed Conor Clifford has returned to The Hive this week following his release by Southend United at the end of last season.

Furthermore, the Bees included former Gillingham scholar Chris Haigh in goal during the second half of Saturday’s 6-1 friendly win over Hungerford Town, whilst Sam Akinde, brother of John, netted the sixth goal after linking up with the Bees squad for training last week.

Discussing his transfer plans prior to kick-off at The Hive on Saturday, Allen said: “There will definitely be another player to come in.

“He (Michael Nelson) has had a good career, is a good captain and is a good leader and he will be a good player to have along. Terms have not been agreed yet and we will have to see how it all pans out.”

An experimental Barnet XI comfortably overcame Southern League Premier Division side Hungerford Town at The Hive in their pre-season opener with youth-team goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle playing the opening 45 minutes and Norwegian youth international Haigh taking the second half.

“That is a position we are looking to fill,” admitted Allen. “We have got an outstanding youth-team goalkeeper in Kai (McKenzie-Lyle). We have the possibility of bringing Kai up to be number two because, whether people like it or not, we have also got to balance the finances.

“There is one other outfield position I am looking to get in,” continued Allen. “Good players are expensive. I don’t mean any disrespect but you can’t always get the players you want; sometimes you have to get the players you can afford.

“So I think so far with the budget we have got and what we have put together we have got a terrific little group.”

One player who could yet join that ‘little group’ is all-action midfielder Clifford.

The Dubliner excelled during 13 appearances on loan from Southend last season and was released by the Shrimpers at the end of the season following their promotion to League One.

Both Clifford and Allen have expressed their desire in making the arrangement permanent now the former Chelsea and Leicester City youngster is a free agent and on Monday, the 23-year-old linked up with his former teammates for training.

“There were certain other parts of the jigsaw I had to put in place first,” said Allen.

“I have got three central midfield players so I have got most of the key positions in place now so there is no rush. Obviously with Luisma (Villa) going another gap has opened up so Conor is still a consideration.”

Clifford told the Times Series earlier this summer he was keen to return to the club: He said “I would love to go back and play under Martin Allen.

“Obviously he is looking to see who he can bring in at the minute but I would love to come back and play for Barnet in the league.”

Also training with the League Two club is former Welling United, Dover Athletic and Ebbsfleet United hitman Sam Akinde.

The 22-year-old played just 39 minutes last season whilst with the Wings and has previously played alongside older brother John – who grabbed a 22-minute hat-trick on Saturday – whilst at Alfreton Town.

“Sam is 6ft 3in, quicker and stronger than John,” Allen explained. “We have had him in training for a few days to have a look at him – I suppose it would be quite nice to have a couple of Akindes playing.”