Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hopes to get his recruitment work done early as he prepares his side for their July 3 start to the campaign.
The Dons players will report back for pre-season training on June 12 as they prepare their build-up for the first round qualifier in the Europa League and McInnes knows he needs new faces on board, and quickly.
He said: “This year we are working on signings and it is vitally important we get two or three in to help the squad, especially with the European games coming in early July.
“Last year was different because of the amount of players who left. It was important we recruited early for a lot of reasons but this summer it’s all about being ready for action.
“We have the nucleus of the squad but we need to have enough to cope with the demands which will be placed upon us. Making it through the early rounds in Europe is our main objective at the start.”
The Dons manager has already been assessing the list of potential opponents awaiting his team in July and knows preparation will be key to a successful run in the competition for his side.
He said: “Those early rounds, if you are not ready, can make you vulnerable. The draw could throw up anyone really and it will be all about doing our homework once the draw is made.”