Doncaster Rovers transfer latest: Rovers close in an experienced centre-half plus Grant McCann's warning regarding star duo
DONCASTER Rovers boss Grant McCann has revealed that the club are close to landing a centre-half on loan.
Rovers have been proactive in the window so far, bringing in several players including forward Frankie Okoronkwo and winger Hakeeb Adelakun and Scottish international keeper Zander Clark.
Following Conor O'Riordan's return to parent club Blackburn Rovers, recruiting another centre-back has been a priority for Rovers and McCann says a deal is close to be finalised ahead of Saturday's League One home game with Wigan Athletic.
He said: "I think we're quite close.
"We're quite close on bringing a centre-back in. So we're working very hard to try and make that happen before the weekend. If it doesn't happen, then it'll be early part of next week.
"If it happens before the weekend, then great. If it doesn't, then obviously it gives the decision to make.
"It'll be a loan. And we're just waiting to hear back. I think we're near enough there.
"I think the player is happy and the agent is happy. It's just a timing issue, really, with this club. So we'll see.
"We'll see over the next 24 hours/ 48 hours, whether we can get it done before the weekend. But we'll add a real good bit of experience to us. A bit of calmness, which I think is needed."
Meanwhile, in the opposite direction, McCann remains confident that his leading lights, most notably captain Owen Bailey and winger Luke Molyneux will remain at the club past the deadline on February 2.
He added: "I don't think I've had that conversation with the owner or Gavin (Baldwin). I guess we can't stop clubs making offers for our players, but it's going to cost a hell of a lot of money to prise away Owen Bailey or Luke Molyneux from this football club.
"But for that matter, or anyone else for that matter really, we're looking forward to just helping the squad, putting another little piece to the jigsaw and shutting our door and cracking on in the second half of the season."
Defender Sean Grehan is back in training, as is Okoronkwo, who suffered a hamstring niggle last weekend.
McCann added: "We've had everybody on the pitch this week. Frankie's fine and trained.
"Ben Close has been back training, which is pleasing. So, he's had some good news and managed to kick on from his little episode.
"Bobby Faulkner's been out training. He's probably a couple of weeks away from returning to play, hopefully with (loan club) Harrogate)."