SAUCHIE are closing in on the signatures of three key members of last season’s promotion squad.

Anthony McTaggart, Mark Sharp, and club captain Stewart Houston have been training with the squad since the start of pre-season and Advertiser Sport understands they will put pen to paper on new deals at some point this week.

The news comes as a boost to Martin Mooney’s Reds who have also moved to add Lewis Small and Kyle Turnbull ahead of the maiden Premier Division campaign.

Small, 24, is a former Falkirk youngster who joins from Camelon whereas 24-year-old left back Turnbull won League Two with Albion Rovers in 2015.

Both players are understood to have been swayed to move to Beechwood Park by coach Darren Petrie.

However, Sauchie were dealt a blow when Thomas Grant opted to sign for league rivals Bo’ness United at the last minute.

Mooney, meanwhile, remains hopeful of securing the signature of highly rated Connor Langton for another season in the Wee County.

Langton has also been training with the squad since they returned to pre-season and club chiefs are trying to work out a deal.

Talks are ongoing with several players at other clubs and it is hoped they will be able to add to their squad before their Premier Division opener on July 27 when they host Hill of Beath Hawthorn.