Former St Johnstone loan striker Marcus Haber will join the Perth squad on their pre-season trip to Ireland, manager Derek McInnes has revealed.
Canadian internationalist Haber (22), who suffered a cruciate knee injury at McDiarmid Park in November after being farmed out by West Brom, was released by the Midlands club.
He will now be hoping to impress McInnes and earn a second chance with Saints.
Meanwhile, the Perth boss also reported that he is closing in on another two prospective signings.
He said, “There is a good chance one or two players will be coming in over the next week or so.
“Marcus will join us in pre-season so we can have a look at him. He has recovered fully from the injury he received playing for us. He is back home in Canada just now working on his fitness and playing charity and bounce games.”
With the Perth club facing up to big financial losses, McInnes has been priced out of the market for several potential front men.
He admitted, “Sometimes we have just had to say no because they are just too expensive.
“We have made plenty of inquiries and promptings for loan players. But the difficulty is that the English Premiership clubs don’t start until three weeks after us.
“Although it is some concern, because I would like to get in more bodies to strengthen the squad, I am ready to wait for certain ones.”
With goals few and far between in the last campaign, McInnes noted, “We are looking for pace and a bit of invention. We want to add quality at the top end of the pitch.”
McInnes, who has already tied up four new faces, pointed out Haber won’t be the only trialist coming to Perth keen to play his way into a deal.
And striker Sam Parkin’s recovery from ankle surgery is almost complete.
He required surgery last term and McInnes said, “Sam will be tested with the rest of the lads and, while it might take him a couple of weeks to get up to speed, he has worked hard on his rehab so he won’t be far behind.”
The Perth squad will gather at Stirling University today for the first day of pre-season training.