Tommy Wright remains optimistic that David Goodwillie will sign for St Johnstone.
But he’s laid the groundwork for other strikers coming to Perth should the former Scotland striker knock back their offer.
Saints boss Wright is not pushing the former Dundee United star for an answer, as he knows Goodwillie has several options open to him.
The same could be said of St Johnstone, though, as Wright has other names in the frame for what would be his only January transfer deal.
He explained: “There has been no change in the David Goodwillie situation. There are a few clubs in both Scotland and England interested in taking him on loan.
“There is also the option to stay at Blackburn Rovers where he has 18 months left on his contract.
“Our inquiry is in but there is no timescale laid down. There is no pressure from us for an answer. But we have to be prepared in case it falls through.
“Everyone knows how it works. He may have something better and we might have to act if we have a chance to firm up another of our targets.”
“We have to continue looking at potential signings and we are talking to three other candidates at the moment two in England and one in Scotland.
“Already in this mad month we thought we had got someone coming in only to lose out late in the day.”
Wright believes the prospect of Goodwillie teaming up with Stevie May could help their cause.
He added: “Blackburn have been very good about it. There are clubs down south that can pay more towards David’s wages than we can up here.
“But from a football perspective a move to St Johnstone offers a lot for the player, including a chance to team up with Stevie May. I think they could forge a mutually beneficial partnership.
“David wants to get back playing and scoring goals and maybe an arm round him might help. We can provide him with an environment for enjoying his football. You don’t lose the quality he has shown in the past or the knack of scoring goals.
“We won’t be linked with as many players as other clubs this month. We want a striker but any other players coming in are likely to be youngsters with an eye to next season. If we fall short it won’t be for the lack of trying and the chairman is trying to get the best offers we can on the table.”
Wright, who reported Michael O’Halloran and Lee Croft are pushing for a start against Hearts, won’t let his team underestimate Saturday’s visitors to Perth.
“They are still a dangerous opponent,” he said. “Other managers might look at the fixtures and say they have to win because St Johnstone will take care of Hearts. But we can’t afford any complacency. Hearts pushed Motherwell close last weekend so we can expect a tough game.
“We have played them twice and won both games but neither were easy fixtures. They have great team spirit and they are working hard for each other. They are fighting for their lives, their manager and their club. That makes them dangerous opponents.”