St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari is confident that the Perth club are on the brink of a second summer signing spree.
Five players were recruited early in the transfer window, with all the new players steeped in Scottish Championship football.
Valakari has cast his net wider in recent weeks for part two.
And it is understood Saints are close to concluding deals for former Harrogate Town left-back, Matty Foulds, and Caernarfon Town striker, Louis Lloyd.
A goalkeeper is another top priority, as is a centre-half to replace Daniels Balodis.
“We are working on signings and hopefully will have some over the line soon,” said Valakari.
“I am very hopeful we will have a few new players before the first cup match on July 12.
“We are also getting players back from international duty as well.
“Adama is back now, and Victor Griffith is due back soon.
“So, the squad is starting to get bigger in numbers.”
Pre-season begins at Station Park
Saints travel to Forfar on Saturday for their first pre-season friendly, having faced Hamilton Accies in a closed-doors contest on Tuesday.
The only Angus absentee is Josh McPake.
“Josh picked up a head knock,” Valakari reported.
“We have to be careful with it, so he won’t make Saturday’s game.
“Overall on Tuesday, I was pleased with how the boys did the things we have worked on over the last 10 days.
“We’re building match fitness so got everyone some game time.
“Everything we do is geared towards when the cup starts and being ready for that.
“Pre-season games are a means to an end.
“Not everything will be perfect because you’re adding layers as part of the coaching process.
“In the summer, you go back to the start with a squad.
“It helps having some players who have been here because they pick it up again quickly.
“Although players do forget as well, so you have to get back into the repetition of what we want to do.
“But for the new players, it’s about teaching them the way we want to work and what we are looking for.
“At this stage it’s all about fitness and learning for the start of the competitive games.
“Everything is irrelevant apart from the cup games.
“You never make too much from these summer matches because everyone is at different stages with their fitness, their games and their squads.”
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