Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is still looking to add one player to his squad before Thursday's transfer deadline.
McInnes has secured the return of Max Lowe and Greg Stewart so far in January but is still keen to add another body.
He looks to have lost out on Celtic winger Lewis Morgan, who is expected to join Sunderland on loan, and it is understood that the Dons will be priced out of a move to take Jonny Hayes back to Pittodrie from Parkhead.
The Dons have been short in central defence for much of the season but could have a full complement by the middle of February with Scott McKenna not expected to be out long after suffering a hamstring injury at the weekend.
McInnes said: "We'd still like to bring in one more player if we could but are getting bodies back like (Michael) Devlin and McKenna and (Mark) Reynolds.
"McKenna is not as bad as the last time when he was out for seven or eight weeks. He will miss the next two or three games but hopefully will be back for our next cup tie. It was a grade one tear and hopefully he will be back before too long.
"Defensively we are not too far away. If we don't bring someone in it won't be the end of the world. But for the challenges ahead I'd like to add one.
After being linked with Hayes, McInnes said: "There's been a few players we have asked the question about and spoken to various managers about, some conversations more positive than others.
"But just because you've had conversations doesn't mean there's anything definite in it.
"There are two or three other things going on that we will have a look at."
Aberdeen won 4-1 at Stenhousemuir on Tuesday to set up a William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round tie against Queen of the South at Pittodrie on February 10.
There is no doubt who the Queens danger man is with Stephen Dobbie taking his tally for the season to 37 goals with a hat-trick in a 3-0 replay win over Dundee.
And McInnes needed no further warning of the striker's prowess.
"It's no surprise with Dobbs," he said. "I played with him at a couple of clubs and I know how good a player he is. He is their talisman.
"I've seen Queen of the South this season and I was impressed by them. Gary (Naysmith) is doing a good job there.
"But it's fair to say we will look at Queen of the South a lot more before we play them.
"We are delighted to have a home tie albeit against a tough opponent. We will try and make the most of it."
