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Neil Lennon wants at least FIVE signings this summer to help mount a promotion charge.
The Wanderers boss has outlined a desire to bolster his defence next season, with two full-backs and a centre-half understood to be at the top of his shopping list.
One name, Rotherham United captain and Wales international Craig Morgan, continues to be strongly linked to the Whites and will be available on a free transfer.
The club has thus far played down links with the 29-year-old centre-half but with Matt Mills yet to sign the deal offered to him a fortnight ago he could prove to be a cost-effective replacement, if necessary.
Paddy McCarthy could be another option with the Irishman impressing since his arrival on loan from Crystal Palace.
He has 12 months left to run on his contract at Selhurst Park but sources in South London believe he will be made available for transfer, however there are concerns over his fitness.
Lennon knows he is likely to have to scour for bargains unless recent interest from a Northern Irish consortium is firmed up in the next few months.
But nevertheless, Lennon believes he can remodel his squad with the cash currently available and will not let talk of a takeover distract from his plan.
“We are talking about the budget for next year and working away in the background for next season,” he said. “We will have to make cuts again, but obviously I want to put my own stamp on the club and bring in the type of players that I want.
“We need to improve both ends of the pitch. Adam Le Fondre has come in and been an excellent acquisition but we need to look at the defence now and tightening that end up. I want a minimum five, hopefully more, new players.”
A deal is already thought to be in place to sign Dutch defender Nick Kuipers from MVV Maasstricht, while Lennon is also expected to renew his interest in Portuguese youngster Paulinho, who came close to signing in January from Moreirense.
The Whites boss continues to bring trial players to the club with a view to next season and ran the rule over 19-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Danny O’Brien this week.
The former England youth international is available on a free transfer and played an hour of the development squad’s 1-0 defeat at Brighton on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Welsh club Colwyn Bay have confirmed a pre-season friendly against Wanderers at Llaneilian Road on Saturday, July 18.
Source
The Wanderers boss has outlined a desire to bolster his defence next season, with two full-backs and a centre-half understood to be at the top of his shopping list.
One name, Rotherham United captain and Wales international Craig Morgan, continues to be strongly linked to the Whites and will be available on a free transfer.
The club has thus far played down links with the 29-year-old centre-half but with Matt Mills yet to sign the deal offered to him a fortnight ago he could prove to be a cost-effective replacement, if necessary.
Paddy McCarthy could be another option with the Irishman impressing since his arrival on loan from Crystal Palace.
He has 12 months left to run on his contract at Selhurst Park but sources in South London believe he will be made available for transfer, however there are concerns over his fitness.
Lennon knows he is likely to have to scour for bargains unless recent interest from a Northern Irish consortium is firmed up in the next few months.
But nevertheless, Lennon believes he can remodel his squad with the cash currently available and will not let talk of a takeover distract from his plan.
“We are talking about the budget for next year and working away in the background for next season,” he said. “We will have to make cuts again, but obviously I want to put my own stamp on the club and bring in the type of players that I want.
“We need to improve both ends of the pitch. Adam Le Fondre has come in and been an excellent acquisition but we need to look at the defence now and tightening that end up. I want a minimum five, hopefully more, new players.”
A deal is already thought to be in place to sign Dutch defender Nick Kuipers from MVV Maasstricht, while Lennon is also expected to renew his interest in Portuguese youngster Paulinho, who came close to signing in January from Moreirense.
The Whites boss continues to bring trial players to the club with a view to next season and ran the rule over 19-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Danny O’Brien this week.
The former England youth international is available on a free transfer and played an hour of the development squad’s 1-0 defeat at Brighton on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Welsh club Colwyn Bay have confirmed a pre-season friendly against Wanderers at Llaneilian Road on Saturday, July 18.
Source
