Jackett willing to wait a bit longer on transfers (From News Shopper)

Jackett willing to wait a bit longer on transfers

12:30pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in Sport By Paul Green

MILLWALL are likely to wait until the end of the month before doing any transfer business, according to manager Kenny Jackett.

A striker remains the top priority for the Championship play-off hopefuls following Chris Wood’s decision to snub the club in favour of a permanent switch to Leicester.

Reading’s Simon Church and Hull’s Aaron McLean have both been linked, something the Den boss didn’t deny when asked by News Shopper this morning.

However, Jackett also insisted nothing was imminent in terms of potential signings and suggested fans will have to be patient if they are expecting new players to come in straight away now the transfer window has finally reopened.

He said: “Things come out and we’ve made enquiries about a number of players.

“I won’t lie, Simon Church is someone we have enquired about but that is all it has been.

“I don’t like to talk about other teams and their players because I think it is unprofessional.

“It hasn’t gone any further with Simon Church after we made an enquiry some weeks ago.

“There is nothing close or imminent and neither has a bid been made.

“Like every club and every manager on January 3, we will be looking at our options.

“If I look at our squad it is true we haven’t got the biggest of squads.

“I see that as a positive because I think we have some spaces.

“It is about me now making sure we fill those spaces well but there will not be anybody coming in this week.

“My estimate is if we bring any players in then it will be towards the end of January.

“What will happen in this window is there will be a couple of weeks at the start where perhaps people will spend money and then after that will be more likely to be our time.”

Jackett also pointed out value for money rather than the amount paid will be the deciding factor in any transfer deals at The Den.

The boss explained: “We are looking always for value but there isn’t necessarily a set figure of money available to me.

“We take each case on its merits.

“For instance, if we need a right-back or a left centre half then we will estimate what we can get.

“Mark Beevers is a good example because around the quarter of a million mark is a good buy for him and somebody of his age, experience and potential future.”

Millwall are at home to Preston in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, a draw which it is fair to say hasn’t exactly got the fans gripped by cup fever.

Ticket prices have been cut to boost the attendance, although Jackett is already looking ahead to a potentially more glamorous tie in the next round should his side avoid a shock exit at the hands of their League One opponents.

He said: “The FA Cup is a competition I do want to do well in because in my time at Millwall we haven’t had the opportunity to get in amongst the big boys as perhaps the draws haven’t been kind to us.

“Ourselves and Preston will see this game as a chance to get through and possibly secure a big tie in the fourth round.

“That carrot is there for both sets of players on Saturday.

“Scott Malone might be back from the injury he picked up at Cardiff but other than that I don’t think there will be any ins or outs in terms of the squad.

“I want my team to try and stay in a rhythm if they can and I don’t particularly want to make changes unless I have to.”

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