Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough says the Stags have agreed deals in principle for two young players on loan from a Premier League club.
The boss says that he would ‘ideally’ like to strengthen his squad further before they head to Scotland next Monday for a pre-season training camp.
Speaking in a news conference at RH Academy today, Nigel revealed that the deals agreed in principle are for a defender and a forward.
“We agreed in principle a couple of loans, young players, from a Premier League club,” he said.
“We’re just waiting for that to be ratified.
“Ideally, we’d like that [to get incoming players bedded into the squad as early as possible]. We’re already on a shortened pre-season [due to the extended 2021/22 season].
“To get them in as soon as possible [would be beneficial].
“If we get the couple of loans, then it’ll just be another one after that and a goalkeeper [left to bring in].
“Maybe one outfield and one goalkeeper after these two.”
The manager also spoke on potentially re-signing some of the club’s first team regulars that were on loan last campaign.
“We’d have loved to have got Nathan Bishop back but that’s probably unlikely,” said the boss.
“I think Manchester United want him to go to the next league [above] which is understandable for his career progress, but it would’ve been lovely to keep Nathan.
“To get another young goalkeeper, similar to Nathan, would be ideal.
“We like Ryan [Stirk] an awful lot; he had a great season.
“It was his first full season in league football, but we think he’s got an awful lot of potential.
“Last time I had a conversation with Birmingham it was a fee involved and a larger one than we would be willing to pay for him.
“He’s got a year left at Birmingham; we’ll monitor that situation.”
The club has delved into the free transfers market this summer. Experienced goalkeeper Scott Flinders and versatile midfielder Hiram Boateng have signed following the expirations of their contracts at League One sides Cheltenham and MK Dons, respectively.
“We needed to bring a couple of goalies in. Scott Flinders was always one that we’ve known about, he’s probably as fit as he ever has been, he must’ve played 20 odd games in League One last year,” Nigel said.
“[On signing Hiram Boateng] He’s somebody who we’ve admired for a while. He’s been around and played at a good standard and he’s a good footballer.
“[He’s a] Very articulate, very intelligent lad.”
The club have sold a record number of season tickets (over 3,600) ahead of the new season and the manager was buoyed by the figure so far.
“I think it [the record number of season ticket sales] can give you tremendous heart and optimism [heading into the new campaign].
“People appreciate [what we’ve done in the last two seasons] and want to be part of it.
“I think the stat that we would’ve won the league if it started in October has given everybody a lot of heart that we’re very, very close [to getting a promotion winning team together].”
