Russell Martin says MK Dons will be looking to do business during the January Transfer Window.
In just over a week’s time, the transfer window will re-open allowing EFL clubs the opportunity to sign players for the first time since mid-October.
The window will run through until the end of the month, and Martin hopes to be able to add to his squad over the five-week period.
“No doubt about it, we'll be doing business,” the MK Dons manager said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Boxing Day fixture with Bristol Rovers at Stadium MK.
“The process of preparing for January started when the season started, really, and has ramped up since November. We have weekly recruitment meetings and they’ve increased to two per week recently.
“We're clear on what we need to help the team move forward. I think we're one or two players away from being a really strong outfit.
“We're still lining up our top targets, and then it's about having a contingency plans to move on to.
“January is notoriously a difficult window, and especially with Covid – we haven’t been able to watch players live this season, so we have to rely on character references from people, as well as video analysis and data.
“January tends to drag on too, with clubs holding out for the best deal. We would love to do our business early but, ultimately, it is in the hands of the other clubs.
“I'm comfortable with what we're going to try and do, though and the Chairman and Andy [Cullen] have been really supportive. It will be an important window for us.”
While Martin’s focus is on adding to his squad, the opening of the transfer window does open up the opportunity for players to depart Stadium MK. While not ruling out any departures, the boss is hopeful of keeping his key stars at the Club.
“We know there's going to be interest in a lot of our players and we'll do our best to hold onto them,” he said.
“I can't see anyone going in January, or us needing to sell because we're in a pretty good place at the moment, but who knows in football. In the end, some of the best business we could do might be holding onto our players.”
