DAGENHAM and Redbridge moved to strengthen their squad with a brace of signings on a busy transfer deadline day.

The east Londoners - who had only signed Mark Nwokeji from Staines up until Monday's deadline - have added striker Wesley Thomas and 18-year-old midfielder Mbive Lokando to the ranks.

Pacy hitman Thomas, 21, joins on a three-year contract from Blue Square South outfit Fisher Athletic.

The deal sees young defender Michael Alailie move in the opposite direction on a month-long loan.

Former Arsenal trainee Lokando joins the Victoria Road side from League One Southend United on loan for a month. He is likely to add cover while Shane Huke recovers from a groin injury.

Daggers boss John Still was pleased to get the pair on board.

“I wanted to sign Wesley a year ago from Thurrock but couldn't so the chance to sign him now for Dagenham is too good of an oppurtunity to turn down,” he told the club's official website.

“He's has a good scoring record and can play down the wing and in the middle. He is a young hungry player who also keeps the numbers of the squad up as well.

“Peggy is a player we've seen for a little bit and we like what we see of him. He'll be a good squad addition for the month that he is here as he is a young and hungry player.”

However, Still said that the club had yet to find a suitable replacement Dominic Green, who moved to Peterborough last week, and admitted that he is still trying to bring a left-sided player in on loan.

“I'd have liked to replace Dominic but I don't feel the player I'm looking for is available yet and I won't sign a player for the sake of it,” he said.