Aberdeen assistant manager Tony Docherty is optimistic the Dons will add at least one new player before today’s Europa League deadline.
The Dons, who defeated Arbroath 3-1 in a friendly at Gayfield Park last night, will face Bosnian side NK Siroki Brijeg in the Europa League’s second qualifying round.
The Bosnians held a 2-0 advantage against Kazakhstan side Ordabasy and a 0-0 draw in Almaty yesterday was enough to ensure they will face the Dons at Pittodrie next Thursday.
Aberdeen have until midnight today to register their squad for the tie, although one extra player can be added up until the day before the first leg.
When asked if there could be a new arrival before today’s deadline, Docherty said: “We are hopeful and working on a couple of things.
“The manager and our head of recruitment Russ Richardson are busy with that. We are very diligent with the work we do.
“We need to make sure that the players coming in complement a fantastic squad. It is important we make sure it is the right personnel coming in.”
Docherty said the club has not given up hope of adding Shaun Maloney to the squad. The 34-year-old’s expected transfer to the Dons has been placed on hold with the former Hull City player set to undergo a hernia operation.
Docherty said: “We are monitoring that. He wasn’t in a position to start the season but we are still hopeful we can get work done with Shaun.
“He will be an asset to us but unfortunately he is in a position where he wouldn’t start the season. It is still on-going but we hope to have him at the club.”
The Reds looks likely to miss out on Preston forward Stevie May and could turn their attention to Motherwell’s Louis Moult.
The 25-year-old Englishman scored 18 goals in 34 appearances for the Steelmen last term and is in the final year of his contract at Fir Park. Docherty said: “We are linked with a lot of players. There is a lot of work going on in the background. We are very specific about what we bring in and sometimes that means it takes a bit more time to make sure we bring in the right ones.”
Docherty, meanwhile, believes the Dons are in for a difficult but not insurmountable task against NK Siroki. He added: “In both legs, NK Siroki merited going through. They are a good side, very functional and well drilled.”