The 21-year-old is due to go into hospital next week to have more surgery on a hernia and will be out of action for up to six weeks, leaving boss Alan Irvine with no recognised cover at the heart of the back four.

Irvine was in the South of England on Monday talking to one player in the hope of completing a deal this week.

But he returned saying the task was still 'proving difficult'.

He told the Evening Post: "People at this stage are wanting to weigh up their options rather than commit to something."

Trotman joins fellow centre-half Liam Chilvers on the injured list, leaving just Sean St Ledger and Youl Mawene as recognised central defenders.

Click to hear Alan Irvine talk about injuries and Tuesday night's games in our PNE special Talking Sport podcast.

The youngster has become the second PNE player in 18 months to have complications after an operation at the same clinic in Germany.

Skipper Paul McKenna went there in in 2007 for surgery and was out of action for eight months.

Irvine explained: "We had been hoping Neal would be okay without needing an operation.

"He's already had one in Germany which was a quick-fix. But now he needs to get it done properly.

"He's having it done over here. It could be about six weeks. Obviously we hope it will be quicker and everything goes well.

"It is a blow because you don't want your players out injured at this stage.

"Neal has been training, but it has got to the stage where it is not looking good."

For full reports, pictures and match reaction from Tuesday's friendly games, pick up a copy of Wednesday's Lancashire Evening Post.

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