MARTIN Allen has set the wheels in motion for the next stage of his Eastleigh squad rebuild by transfer-listing two senior players.

Former Portsmouth striker Ryan Bird and central defender Ayo Obileye have been made available for "immediate permanent transfer".

Allen has already made four signings since arriving from Barnet at the start of the month, recruiting Sam Togwell and Gavin Hoyte from Barnet, taking Hakeem Odoffin on loan from Wolves and bringing experienced midfielder Ben Strevens back to the Silverlake from Whitehawk.

He said in the wake of last Saturday’s 4-3 defeat at Southport that there would be more new signings to come.

In the meantime, he is looking to move a couple of contract players on.

Both Bird and Obileye were part of a mass influx of 13 summer signings brought in by Chris Todd – the first of three managers to have taken charge of the ambitious Vanarama National League club this season.

Bird, plucked by Portsmouth from non-League football with Burnham, arrived from Yeovil Town in July. Although the towering 29-year-old has been unable to pin down a regular starting place, he has still managed seven goals from 18 appearances – including four against North Leigh in the FA Cup.

After a strong pre-season, Obileye – a 6ft 3in centre-back – has had scant chance to impress since signing from Charlton Athletic.

When Todd’s successor Ronnie Moore arrived, he inherited five central defenders, including vastly experienced trio Reda Johnson, Ryan Cresswell and Adam Dugdale, and subsequently sent young Obileye on loan to Dover Athletic.

The 22-year-old was recalled when injuries hit the camp, but he is not in new boss Allen’s plans going forward.

A club statement said: “Ayo’s first-team chances have been very limited at Eastleigh owing to the number of quality centre-backs available and it is thought in the best interest of the player that he be allowed a transfer to further his own career.”

Interested clubs are asked, in the first instance, to contact Eastleigh's director of football Matt Lewton on 07557 795387.