Notts County will have to wait for the arrival of their new centre-back after he picked up a minor illness.
The Magpies were hoping to complete a deal for the defender having seen their defensive options severely hampered by injury.
Defenders Ben Turner, Damien McCrory, Zoumana Bakayogo and Alex Lacey are all currently sidelined which has put increasing pressure on Notts’ squad.
Boss Neal Ardley confirmed after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Woking that he was close to adding reinforcements to help with the run-in.
But the defender, who plays in the Football League, has picked up a minor illness and the move has now been delayed.
Explaining his decision to move for another central defender, Ardley said: “Pierce Bird played at the weekend, but he can’t play in the FA Trophy because he’s cup-tied.
“That means we would have to rely on Alex Lacey and Connell Rawlinson who are going to need a breather at times.
“Damien McCrory who could go in there is also injured, so it’s the right thing to do in order to get us through these games without losing key players.”
