Dundee United gaffer Ray McKinnon is pulling out all the stops to reach double figures in his summer signing programme before today’s transfer deadline.
Numbers eight and nine were secured late on Monday when the arrival of defenders Frank van der Struijk and William Edjenguele was confirmed.
But if the manager has his way one more first-team player will have been added to his squad by the time the window closes.
Ray’s top priority was to add experienced options at the back and he’s done that in the shape of Dutchman van der Struijk (31) and Frenchman Edjenguele (29).
Both have chalked up well over 200 appearances in good level leagues around Europe and the manager has been working on getting them in for several weeks now.
But he has made no secret he would also like another attacking option and between now and the deadline he’s hoping to get one more deal clinched.
An enquiry was made to Celtic about the possibility of getting former fans’ favourite Gary Mackay-Steven back on loan.
The winger has still to give them a final answer but, when it comes, United are resigned to it being a “No”.
That means they are now pursuing other options and the fact time is not on their side won’t stop them trying to get someone in.
There may also be a departure in the next 24 hours.
Centre-half Mark Durnan has not featured in the last two games. He wasn’t even on the bench for Saturday’s draw against Raith Rovers. While that was down to injury, the arrival of the two new defenders leaves him looking surplus to requirements.
If the chance for him to move on came up, it’s unlikely United would stand in his way.
Teenager Harry Souttar’s switch to Stoke City could also be confirmed soon. So far as United are concerned he’s gone but Fifa red tape, because he’s still U/18, means extra paperwork has had to be completed for the deal to be ratified.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.