Doncaster Rovers: Plans in place for January transfer window

As he readies to enter his first transfer window as Rovers boss, Ferguson revealed he has targets in place but his priority is extending the deals for the club’s current crop of loan players.

Beyond that, Ferguson hopes to bring in a small number of players to boost his squad and help continue the rise up the table.

“We’ve planned for January for a while now,” Ferguson told the Free Press. “We know what we’re going to do.

“First and foremost, we’re going to try to extend the loans.

“After that, there’s certain areas I want to strengthen.

“It won’t be many. It won’t be five or six.

“It might only be one that comes in if we manage to extend the loan players.

“If we don’t manage that, obviously I will have to replace them. But we’ve got targets in place and we’re fully prepared for January.”

On players potentially leaving the club next month, Ferguson said: “I think there will definitely be some going out the door.”

Harry Forrester has been a notable absentee from recent Rovers squads, despite being fit to play.

Loan deals for Felipe Mattioni, Conor Grant, Craig Alcock and Cameron Stewart all expire on January 2.

Ferguson admitted he does want to extend the deals of Everton duo Mattioni and Grant and Sheffield United defender Alcock, but said he is still considering his next move over Stewart.

The attacking midfielder has been told he can leave parent club Ipswich Town by boss Mick McCarthy.

Though his plans are set on the other three loanees, Ferguson said talks will not take place with their clubs until closer to the end of their current deals.

He said: “The two Everton lads, we won’t be having any discussions about it until probably the end of the month.

“They’re both up on January 2. They’re busy and they’ve got meetings planned but I don’t think we’ll be deciding anything until the end of the month.

“Craig will be a similar thing but we’re hopeful we may be able to continue that one.

“We want to continue all three to be fair.

“I’ve got a decision to make on Cameron Stewart as well.”