Motherwell boss Steven Hammell says talks will take place with defender Matt Penney and Ipswich Town over his future, after the Fir Park club’s crunch Premiership clash against Ross County tomorrow.
The Fir Park boss also refused to be drawn on rumoured targets, Japanese attacking midfielder Riku Danzaki and winger Dilan Markanday from Blackburn Rovers, both of which would be loans.
Penney, 24, has been a big hit since moving on loan from Portman Road in the summer, and with his contract expiring at the end of this season, Motherwell may seek to extend his deal, or sign him outright.
Hammell said: “Hopefully after the game we’ll be able to confirm that, one way or another.
“It will probably be after the game that we’ll release something about that.”
Danzaki, 22, is on a second loan spell at Brisbane Roar from J-League club Consadole Sapporo, while Markanday, 21, is believed to be out of favour at Blackburn.
Hammell said: “If you were in the office you’d see the amount of players we’ve looked at.
“We’ve scouted the list, it’s a long list that is dwindling down, and we’ve got a lot of targets that we’re really keen to progress.
“But in terms of actual individuals and names, it’s not right to speak about someone that’s not involved with our club, just now.
“We’re hoping to do more business in January, I think it’s clear that we need to do that, and make sure what we do fits what we’re doing as best as possible.
“Hopefully that will happen between now and the end of January.
“I’m not sure if we’ll bring people in before the weekend, it’s something we’re continually doing.”
One player Motherwell did bring in was 24-year-old Stockport County winger Olly Crankshaw on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Hammell says the player’s willingness to join was a major factor, and said: “It’s fantastic. I spoke to Olly, I know he’s a good player, a good pro, a good boy, and he’s keen to be here, which means a lot to me.
“The player pushed it through himself, which speaks volumes.
“We’ve spoken to a number of players and for whatever reason it hasn’t been quite right, but he was so keen to get here and be involved, and he will be a great addition for us.
“He will be available for the weekend. He will be a good player for us, we’re confident of that. I think he’ll be a player the fans will be happy with and I think they’ll enjoy watching him play.
“I’m not wanting to put too much pressure on him, but in terms of his profile, it’s something we’ve lacked, especially with Joe [Efford] being injured for so long.
“We were delighted to find out he’s available. We spoke to him straight away, he was super-keen, jumped in the car and came up – that speaks volumes for him, about what he thinks of me and this club and how he wants to play football.
“Hopefully between now and the end of the summer he’s a success for us.”
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