POSH were today attempting to sign Fulham centre-back Gaby Zakuani.

Zakuani, who has won one international cap for Congo, has held transfer talks at London Road after the clubs agreed a fee late last week.

The 22 year-old moved to Fulham from Leyton Orient for £1million in 2006, but has failed to make a Premier League start. Zakuani has made just one starting appearance for Fulham in a League Cup tie.

He did however help Stoke to promotion from the Championship last season when making 19 appearances on loan at the Britannia Stadium – he spent time on loan at Stoke during the 2006-07 season.

Posh manager Darren Ferguson said: "He's a big, strong player who would fit in perfectly with us. He's 6ft tall, but has a fantastic spring and he's a real athlete.

"Stoke manager Tony Pulis speaks very highly of him so it would be a great signing for us.

"We're trying to persuade him to drop down a couple of divisions, but the vibes I was getting at the weekend were all positive"

Posh midfielder Josh Low completed his free transfer move to League One rivals Cheltenham over the weekend and centre-back Kieran Charnock was today mulling over a move back up north.

The deadline for transfers is midnight tonight. Posh are not attempting to sign anyone else despite suffering a third defeat in four League One matches at home to Hartlepool on Saturday.

Ferguson was still scratching his head over the 2-1 defeat. Posh dominated much of the match, but missed chances to score before gifting Hartlepool two soft goals.

The manager was visibly angry straight after the match, but after reflecting on the action over the weekend he was determined to stay positive ahead of Saturday's League One clash with Bristol Rovers in front of the Sky Television cameras.

Ferguson said: "It was a very frustrating game for me because it's one we should have won comfortably, but I would be more worried if I wasn't getting performances from the players.

"The general performance was very good, but we suffered because we are making too many silly mistakes. It's disappointing, but there is still plenty to be positive about.

"There's no question we deserved to get something from that game, but I remain confident in the ability of the squad to put things right sooner rather than later.

"We will keep working hard, keep playing our football and things will come right. There is still a long way to go."

Posh are just one place outside the relegation zone following Saturday's defeat.