MANSFIELD Town look set to miss out in the race to sign Magno Vieira.

The talented striker is out of contract after scoring 18 goals for relegated Ebbsfleet United last season.

Stags boss David Holdsworth had hoped to bring the former Carlisle, Barnet and Wycombe man to Field Mill.

The Brazilian was the third player he had hoped to unveil alongside two other new faces – striker Keigan Parker and midfielder Tyrone Thompson – at last night's home friendly with Nottingham Forest.

But he has faced stiff competition from elsewhere for Vieira's signature and it seems the 25-year-old is poised to agree terms with another team.

"My pursuit of Magno Vieira looks likely that it will be falling short with other clubs able to offer him bigger packages," said Holdsworth.

"Magno knows me and I have been on his case for over a year now, but it is one of those frustrating ones.

"I have done a lot of work behind the scenes and he's a cracking lad, but he's one that's slipped through our hands.

"He likes the club, but we haven't been able to compete on this occasion in a crucial area.

"But I have still got two or three other options.

"We have got a couple of young lads we can call on, but we still have to try to get a striker with a little bit more knowledge."

Meanwhile, frontman Rob Duffy is having an operation today to solve his chronic appendicitis problem.

It means the Welshman is likely to miss that start of the Blue Square Bet Premier season against Forest Green Rovers on August 14.

Holdsworth added: "Rob is going to be two weeks before he can do any work and start training again.

"By that time there is only going to be ten days to go before the start of the season, so it's extremely unlikely he'll be in a position to start it.

"It's a shame because he was looking very well in training, but I know he will work hard to get back as soon as he can."