Dundee boss Neil McCann admits he rates his chances of adding to his squad before the transfer window closes as no better than 50/50.
The Dens manager is determined to bolster his roster and has shown interest in making a move for West Ham’s Spanish striker Toni Martinez.
McCann admitted it now looks likely the Hammers will not part with the 20-year-old especially after he played in the FA Cup tie at Wigan at the weekend.
However, the Dark Blues boss will continue to chase other targets right up until the last minute of the transfer deadline.
The manager, who was speaking before this evening’s William Hill Scottish Cup replay against Inverness, said: “He (Martinez) is one I am aware of.
“We have done so much work over this period looking at people who might be available.
“But I am not sure if Toni is going to be available because he played at the weekend.
“West Ham have also been struggling with injuries so I wouldn’t expect that to happen.”
When asked how confident he was about bringing new players in, McCann added: “Percentage wise I would say 50/50.
“Fifty per cent would be that I am really aggressive in trying to get stuff done the other 50% of the equation is whether we can get it done.
“Generally what I have found so far this month is that it can be difficult.
“So it can be right up until the last minute.”
While looking to bring players in, McCann is equally determined that Jack Hendry, who has already been the subject of one failed bid from Celtic, will be going nowhere with no new offers coming in for the defender.
The manager, who is currently running the rule over an unnamed Dutch trialist, said: “There has been absolutely nothing. What I will say though is that I thought Jack Hendry’s performance on Saturday at Hamilton was brilliant.
“I have no problems with Jack in terms of all this speculation doesn’t seem to have affected him.
“As I have said before, I am trying to do something here and Jack is a big part of it.
“I would like to get some business done but it was always going to be towards the end of the transfer window.”
McCann is also looking for his side to do the business up in Inverness after beating Hamilton 2-1 in the league at the weekend although the cup game is subject to a precautionary pitch inspection today at noon.
He said: “I was surprised to hear there will be a pitch inspection and I am really hoping it is on.
“We had a really good result at the weekend and we just want to go up there and hopefully get through to the next round although we know it will be a tough game.
“But I will be surprised if we don’t get a huge improvement on the performance we got in the first game.
“There were so many players off it and we just didn’t have that edge but we are back in the swing of things.
“Inverness had been doing well and were playing competitive football which we didn’t have (because of Premiership winter break).
“I still expected better and we should still have come out on top in the game. We had enough on the pitch to do that.
“But I am pleased that we have another chance because I have seen big teams go out at that stage.”
Dundee have injury doubts for the trip to Inverness although there is a welcome return to the squad for an important duo after they recovered from injury.
The manager added: “Josh Meekings has a thigh strain and is struggling so I am not sure if he is going to make it.
“Paul McGowan also had to come off at Hamilton with a knock. But I am hopeful he is going to be fine.
“However, Matty Henvey is out after suffering a knee injury against Hamilton.
“It’s a real shame for the lad after scoring his goal on Saturday.
“Marcus Haber will also not be involved. He is good after his back problem but he has had no training and is not ready.
“We will though have Roarie Deacon and Lewis Spence back in the squad.”
Meanwhile, James Vincent has joined Dunfermline on loan until the end of the season with McCann saying: “James has been really frustrated that he has not been getting first-team football and I think it is a good move for him.”
