The Rovers manager has thus far been frustrated by holidays and contractual issues as he attempts to add to the eight under contract players currently on Rovers’ books for next season.
But with players due to return from holiday this week in time for next Monday’s pre-season return date - and hundreds of potential targets set to be officially out of contract from June 30 - Dickov’s ambitious plans to strengthen his squad are poised to go into overdrive.
Rovers’ boss hopes to eventually finalise contract extensions for the nine players who were promised new deals by the end of this week.
The most doubt surrounds Tommy Spurr, with several Championship rivals said to be keen on the 25-year-old defender.
He has also spoken to Leicester City midfielder Richie Wellens about a possible return to Doncaster but that move is currently tied up in red tape.
Wellens still has another year to run on his contract but is not in manager Nigel Pearson’s plans.
Rovers are waiting in the wings for the 33-year-old to be released on a free transfer - but that is complicated by the fact that Wellens is on lucrative terms at the King Power Stadium and will be due a significant pay-out if his contract is ripped up.
Dickov is also hoping to persuade Oldham defender Jean-Yves Mvoto and Manchester United wonderkid Nick Powell to the Keepmoat Stadium.
Also among his priorities is a new goalkeeper following the surprise exit of Gary Woods.
But it is likely to be July, when hundreds of players will become free agents, when fans start seeing the arrival of new faces.
“It’s a frustrating time at the moment,” said Dickov.
“I want to get as many players in as quickly as I can so they’re with us for the majority of pre-season.
“But circumstances dictate that sometimes and that’s not always going to happen.
“The one thing I’ll say to the fans is just to be patient. I’m talking to some top players but these things can take time.”
Source: Donny Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
