PIRATES boss Matt Ford cryptically admitted he had hit a "stumbling block" in negotiations with an "old favourite".

Ford politely declined to name the rider concerned, with his admission likely to spark a flurry of speculation among fans.

The Poole chief also revealed he would unveil two further signings for his 2018 septet on Monday.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "Terms have been offered to an old favourite but sadly there is a stumbling block in negotiations at this moment in time.

"I'm hoping things will be resolved but we are going to have to bide our time.

"I expect to announce two new signings this coming Monday at the club's sponsors dinner, which I hope to put out on Facebook Live.

"All being well, those same two riders will be in the Pirates shop in the Dolphin Shopping Centre the following day, the time of which will be confirmed in due course."

Brady Kurtz and Josh Grajczonek are the two confirmed members of the Pirates line-up for next season.

Kurtz will start the campaign in the number-one berth while fellow Aussie Grajczonek will also take a top-five role.

The team-building limit was set at 42.5 points at the British Speedway Promoters' Association's AGM last month.