Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson is anticipating a lull in transfer activity before it all kicks off again as the deadline looms.
The January window is open for another eight days and United fans can expect to see one or two more new faces arrive by the time it closes.
However, with the Tangerines’ focus now very much on Friday night’s crucial Championship clash against Ayr United at Somerset Park, there could be some calm before next week’s storm.
Neilson believes clubs will be tempted to hang on to their personnel until the final game of the window has passed. That, of course, would have a knock-on effect as regards players the Tangerines want to move on as well as their recruitment drive.
He did, though, confirm that he has been taking a look at former Hearts striker Nicolay Todorov, playing the Bulgarian in bounce games against both the Jam Tarts and Dunfermline.
The United boss said: “We are still trying to do some stuff but in the January window a lot of things happen early and then it dies down a wee bit.
“It seems every team gets one or two players in then it goes quiet.
“I expect everything to kick off again after the weekend’s fixtures.
“I would like to try to get something done (before Friday) but I would be surprised.
“Most teams are looking to keep hold of their players until the last game of the window.”
Asked specifically about Todorov, Neilson framed his presence at the club’s St Andrews training base in terms of the player being given training facilities as a “favour” without closing the door on a possible deal.
The United gaffer said: “I knew him from my time at Hearts and he was over in Italy, where he had some issues with his contract.
“He was coming back to Scotland and asked me if he could come and train.
“I was doing him a favour and have also been having a wee look at him to see how he does. There is nothing more in that one.”
Neilson has also been linked with Blair Henderson but Neilson was more dismissive of that one, saying: “I had him at Hearts on trial but there has been nothing at all. I think some people have been putting two and two together and getting eight.”
There is little wonder that most of Neilson’s attention has been on the match against Ayr United.
Should the Tangerines come back from Somerset Park with the three points then they will spend Friday night at least joint top of the Championship alongside leaders Ross County.
There is also the not-so-small matter of trying to gain some level of revenge for the infamous 5-0 home loss to the Honest Men on November 30.
Neilson said: “We can go joint top with a win so that what will be driving us.
“The last result (against Ayr) was a big disappointment but I think you will find there will be different players out there on Friday.
“We should have a freshness about us and should be a different proposition.
“We are expecting to go down there and put on a performance. If we do that we can win the game.”
