Aberdeen January transfer window needs assessed as insider points out what could benefit squad

Aberdeen won't be in a rush to strengthen their already outstanding squad in January but could benefit from more experience within the squad.

That's the view of former Dons veteran Jonny Hayes who like most ex-Reds has been left impressed by the recent transfer business done by the club.

During a busy summer, Jimmy Thelin made his first signings since being appointed manager, and all have so far gone on to thrive at Pittodrie.

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Topi Keskinen, Gavin Molloy, Dimitar Mitov and Sivert Heltne Nilsen are just some of the names that came through the door during the summer transfer window.

With the January window looming, Aberdeen will be hoping their current crop can keep up the astonishing form that has seen the Dons match Celtic stride for stride at the top of the table.

But Hayes reckons that should there be any targets on Thelin's mind, he will already be well ahead in getting players identified for pursuing once the window opens.

Hayes told Gambling.com: "That's not up to me [if the Aberdeen board should make January signings]. I wouldn't like to tell Dave Cormack, Steven Gunn or Alan Burrows how to do their job - not at all.

"But if the club are serious about challenging at the top of the league and they feel there's an area they need to strengthen, they will be proactive with the recruitment. I've seen first-hand how they like to work on transfer windows in advance.

"So I'd imagine if they want to bring in a player or two in January, they've probably already got that player identified and scouted and know exactly what they want to do."

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The summer transfer window proved to be a busy time for the Reds, with plenty of new faces stepping into the team and making a big impact.

Hayes however isn't convinced there is a specific area of the pitch Aberdeen will need to bolster in January however, but questioned if there could be a benefit from more experienced players coming through the door.

He said: "At the start of the season I thought they lacked a little bit of width. [Topi] Keskinen coming in has been a good buy, he’s a young player and he'll develop even further. I’ve been impressed with him.

"Duk coming back is that old cliche: ‘like a new signing’. He's come back revitalised with a point of prove, and is willing to work for his teammates. They do have strength in every area.

"I don't think there's any specific area, but a bit more experience in defence can always help. I think that's one area where experience helps you. But again, the centre-halves have been doing a fine job.

"So if you're top of the league and you're challenging, do you really need to strengthen that much?"

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Plenty of players have made the trip across the border to the Granite City for loan spells in recent years - some enjoying more success than others.

Leighton Clarkson made the move from Liverpool and turned into one of the few success stories, and Hayes believes the Dons have become an attractive loan prospect for English Premier League clubs.

Whether they will look to loan players from down south in January remains to be seen, but the Irishman believes Pittodrie is a good ground for those looking to kick on in their careers to develop their game.

He added: "I think that's football in general now. Big teams will look at what they perceive to be smaller teams, how they play and their manager style; and identify whether it's right to send their players on loan to develop them there. I've seen first-hand what it's like.

"So I'd imagine if there is an English Premier League club for example, and they resonate with the style of play at Aberdeen, they could think it's best for their player’s development to go there.

"Playing in Aberdeen would be a strong tool for the development of young players. But for me, Aberdeen are joint top of the league, do they really need to loan players in? That would be the question I'd ask."