The January transfer window can be a critical part of the season for many clubs – could it be the difference between Aberdeen sustaining their challenge at the top of the league and falling away?
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has confirmed he would like to bring in two new players during the January window but where should he strengthen?
What do Aberdeen need to sign?
At first glance it is not particularly straight forward to pinpoint the type of player the Dons should be looking to sign.
The Dons have one of the best defensive records in the world. With an experienced top flight goalkeeper in the shape of Jamie Langfield backing up Scott Brown and with Russell Anderson still to get back to fitness, Derek McInnes looks well served in that third of the park.
In midfield Willo Flood and Barry Robson have both returned to fitness but will struggle to break into the team given the form of the likes of Ryan Jack, Peter Pawlett and Jonny Hayes.
Up front the Dons also posses arguably the strongest forward pairing in the Premiership in the shape of David Goodwillie and Adam Rooney.
However, there is certainly still room to improve the squad, particularly at left back, which would allow Andy Considine to compete for a central defensive berth.
We take a look at players that Derek McInnes could sign to strengthen his Aberdeen squad.
Graeme Shinnie
The Caley Thistle left back is known to be a Dons target for the summer when his contract in Inverness expires, however, if the money is available then Aberdeen must try to bring the 23-year-old to Pittodrie six months early.
With a number of other clubs, including Birmingham City, said to be interested in signing Shinnie on a bosman deal, offering him a January could help the Dons beat the competition and with his contract due to expire in the summer the Caley Jags are unlikely to hold out for a large fee.
Secondly it would certainly strengthen the Dons backline – not only improving the team at left back but also freeing up Andy Considine to compete for a start in the centre of the Dons defence.
Daryll Meggatt
A potentially cheaper option at left back would be Alloa Athletic’s Daryll Meggatt.
Meggatt has been one of the top defenders in the Championship in recent seasons while he is also regarded as one of the fittest players in the league which would allow him to support Dons attacks on the left wing, with Shay Logan offering a similar threat on the right.
Meggatt joined Alloa from Queen’s Park in 2012 and would jump at the chance of full time football with the Dons, while the Wasps would be looking for a relatively modest fee.
Paul Quinn
Perhaps not a glamour signing, Quinn would certainly help boost McInnes’ options in defence, even if he was only brought to the club as back-up to the current back four.
Quinn has proven himself reliable at both right back and centre back and while Shay Logan has made the right back position his own and Mark Reynolds has formed a solid partnership with Ash Taylor in the heart of the Dons defence, Quinn would at least give the Dons another experienced option in both positions.
The 29-year-old’s contract at Ross County expires next week so he would not prove a particularly expensive option for the Dons.
Jeff Monakana
The 21-year-old found his opportunities limited in the first half of the season at Pittodrie, however Derek McInnes has already confirmed he is keen to bring the Brighton winger back to the club.
The pacey youngster would give the Dons a valuable option, particularly if Niall McGinn, Peter Pawlett or Jonny Hayes pick up an injury.
The potential move will largely come down to new Brighton manager Chris Hughton who is currently running the rule over Monakana and his team mates on the South coast of England.
Gavin Reilly
Queen of the South attacker Reilly has shown steady improvements ever since he broke into the Queen’s first team as a 17-year-old, now aged 21, Reilly is ready to make the step up.
The forward, who can operate effectively as an out-and-out striker, playing just behind the striker or playing on either wing, has produced a number of impressive performances this season and has scored 10 goals, while creating a number of others.
Arguably the most exciting player in the Championship but another player who is out of contract in the summer, could be an exciting but affordable target for the Dons.
David Goodwillie
The sharp operators amongst you will have noticed that Goodwillie is already a Dons player, however, with his contract due to expire in the summer, Derek McInnes and the Aberdeen board must make extending his deal a priority for this month.
Goodwillie’s talent has never been in doubt since he broke onto the scene at Dundee United, it is his temperament and attitude off the park which have been questioned, however, since his move to the Granite City Goodwillie has got his head down performed on the pitch and behaved well off of it.
After Adam Rooney, Niall McGinn, Jonny Hayes and Andy Considine all penning new long term deals, Goodwillie doing the same would be a great January signing.