St Johnstone are closing in on the signing of Bolton striker Michael O’Halloran, Courier Sport understands.
Perth boss Tommy Wright has just been dealt the news that injured frontman Steven MacLean will be out for at least four weeks longer than first anticipated (until the end of February).
So bolstering his forward options in January is a priority.
O’Halloran (22) is a former Scotland under-21 international. He has had loan spells at Sheffield United, Carlisle and Tranmere.
Wright said: “It is disappointing news for Macca and for us. So the priority now has to be bringing in another striker.
“We have one option well down the line and we will see how that pans out.
“But Steven MacLean is going to be out until the end of February so we need to get someone in. Steven had seen the surgeon and he added another four weeks to his recovery time.
“It’s disappointing but we have to listen to what the doctors say.”
Wright also confirmed he has opened talks with Welsh winger Gwion Edwards aimed at extending his loan spell from Swansea until the end of the season, after he impressed against Celtic and Dundee United in recent days.
As it stands, the short-term deals for Edwards and Sanel Jahic run out after Saturday’s match against Ross County.
On the possible extension of Jahic’s contract, Wright pointed out: “We have a decision to make about Sanel in the next few days.
“I’d like to keep him but it will come down to finances so I’ll have to speak to the chairman about it. He’s a very good player.”