Dundee manager John Brown has compiled a shopping list for positions he wants to fill but conceded that new signings are unlikely before the weekend.
The Dark Blues boss has been looking at a number of trialists this week, with the acquisition of a goalkeeper and a striker top of the agenda ahead of the new season.
Former Wales U21 international Kyle Letheren, released by Kilmarnock, could fit the bill in terms of providing competition to John Gibson for the No 1 shirt, while ex-Celtic forward Carlo Monti is one of those Brown believes has done well so far.
However, Bomber may have to wait a few days before any deals can be done as he waits for confirmation on exactly how much cash he has to play with.
“The boys have been buzzing, we’re looking good, and hopefully we can speak about getting some cash to add to the squad,” he said.
“We want to get a goalkeeper, look at a striker, and if there is anything to spare we’ll have a look at our options.
“But we need an experienced goalkeeper because Gibson has got a knee injury and he’s going in to see a specialist, so that leaves us with just the kids.
“Kyle has done well and we want to see him in a couple of games, but I’m just waiting to hear from Scot (Gardiner) how much we’ve got spare to spend.
“There’s good competition through the squad but the only competition we’ve not got is really in the goalkeeping position. Carlo has done well as well so I want to have a look at him but it’s all going to be down to what money is available.”
Former Dundee United forward Kevin Smith trained with the squad yesterday but any deal for the striker is unlikely.
The 26-year-old spent a period on loan at Dens in 2007 before moving to Tannadice, although he has also had spells at Raith, Notts County and latterly Queen of the South.
“It was just a favour,” Brown said.“There’s nothing in it other than giving him a week’s training facilities to get his fitness levels up. I think he played for Dumbarton at the weekend against Hibs so I’ve just said to him to come in.”
One player who has been challenged to prove his worth at Dens is winger Jamie McCluskey, who has had a nightmare time with an achilles injury.
“There’s still a limp there and it will take a while before that goes but the deal was he’s not won a contract, he’s got training facilities to get his fitness back and he might get a chance in the pre-season games,” Brown said.
“We know he’s got the ability but he’s got to prove he can get over this achilles, because it’s been going on for a while.”
Brown also revealed the club are still hoping to fix up a pre-season friendly with neighbours Dundee United, although available dates are quickly running out.
It had looked like a game would be organised for July 30 but the Dark Blues are now hosting Rangers in the 120th anniversary match on Wednesday July 31.
The weekend of August 3 looks like being a free weekend due to their opening round bye in the League Cup but Dundee will have to look elsewhere for opposition as United are in SPL action.