Derek Adams is planning to use Ross County’s full quota of seven loan signings come the end of the January transfer window.
Adams has made three loan signings so far this month and is closing in another temporary addition – an English player contracted to an overseas club – which is expected to go through in the next 24 hours.
Defender Will Nightingale has extended his loan from AFC Wimbledon until the end of the season, with Adams confirming he has agreements in place to bring a further two loanees in before the deadline.
Adams is keen to maximise the loan facility in his first recruitment window since replacing Malky Mackay in charge in November.
He said: “We’re adding strength in depth to the squad – it’s important we do that.
“Competition for places has to be strong.
“I have looked at the loan market because it gives me a short space of time. We only had two players on loan – Scott High and Will Nightingale.
“We have agreements in place for another two players to come in on loan, but we’re just waiting for the other clubs to take in players to move those ones out.
“We’re hopeful of doing that probably next week.
“We are trying to get talented players in on loan. We can do seven loans, and I will have seven loans here by the end of the window.”
Staggies boss pleased with transfer business so far
Adams brought in midfielder Eli King on loan from Cardiff City earlier this week, with the Wales under-21 international having spent the first half of the season with Adams’ former club Morecambe.
Along with the loan capture of Fulham goalkeeper George Wickens, along with teenage Birmingham City midfielder Brandon Khela, Adams is pleased with the business he has completed so far.
Adams said: “I know Eli well because I worked with him at Morecambe. He’s a talented player.
“Eli is here with us now with the idea of going back to Cardiff City next season to go and play first team football.
“He’s an excellent player.
“George Wickens is a really highly-rated goalkeeper down south, which is important.
“Brandon Khela is a talent. The Ross County supporters are going to see a talented player coming in from the ranks of Birmingham City.
“We’re really fortunate to have him because he is contracted to the biggest agency (CAA Stellar) in the world. You don’t often get a talent like him to come to your club on a first loan.
“He’s one who can take the ball, run with it and he can open up defences and score goals as well.
“The three signings we’ve made so far will help us. We will be making a fourth and he will definitely help us as well.”
Adams looking to strengthen in all areas
County are 11th in the Premiership at present, but return from the winter break on Saturday when they host Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
With two weeks of the transfer window remaining, Adams says he is looking to bolster his options across all areas of the field.
He added: “We’ve obviously looked at the goalkeeping department and brought competition there.
“Defensively, we hope to do that as well, and in midfield and the wider areas as well.
“I’ve looked at the whole squad and it is important for me to take in players who are going to add to what we already have here.”
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