Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee is focusing attention on signing defender Grant Basey, but he will have to allow some of his players to go out on loan if he is to continue the recruitment drive.
On Wednesday McGhee made Paul Hartley his sixth signing of a productive summer, which has ended his interest in former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie.
The Dons manager was keen on former Huddersfield full back Robbie Williams but the 25-year-old is off the radar after an initial offer from the Pittodrie club.
Released Charlton defender Basey is now the priority but a deal is unlikely to be done until the Dons return to Scotland and arrange for up to two players to go out on loan.
McGhee has not ruled out doing a deal for Aston Villa forward Jim Collins, who is available on a season’s loan, if the finances can be juggled. McGhee said: “Basey is a player I have been impressed with. He is young, has great technical ability and wants to come to Aberdeen.
“We are looking at what we can do. It might mean we have to let a couple go out on loan.
“If Collins is better than what we have already then I will consider him.”
It has been a summer of wheeling and dealing. Hartley followed Scott Vernon, Yoann Folly, Josh Magennis, Mark Howard and Rory McArdle to Pittodrie.
The financial black hole left by the collapse of the Setanta television deal 12 months ago made this year’s reconstruction of the squad even more difficult.
Aberdeen director of football Willie Miller said: “This has been one of the busiest summers I can remember and also the most difficult.
“The financial picture was, and still is, extremely challenging.
“It has been difficult getting in the number of players required of the right quality for the right price. There has been a lot of boxes which needed ticked but I am happy with the effort from everyone to get the squad to where it is now.”
The club’s youth system, which has produced first-team regulars such as Fraser Fyvie and Peter Pawlett, remains Miller’s pride and joy.
But he knew funds had to be made available for his manager to add experienced players such as former Celtic and Hearts midfielder Hartley.
He said: “Supporters will be excited by players such as Paul arriving but, for me, these young players coming through are every bit as exciting. The young players are great but you need experienced heads alongside them.
“When we looked at the squad at the end of last season there were gaping holes. Although we have had a young squad over the years it was getting too young.
“Paul is someone who is arriving with enormous pedigree. He will command respect and lead by example, which can only help the others. He is an allround package.”