Every Scottish Premiership manager’s Santa Wishlist as top flight clubs draw up ideal January scenarios
He's making a list, and checking it twice... that's Premiership managers we're talking about, of course.
But who has been naughty and nice? Who will have their wish lists answered by their chairmen? It's the time of year for gift-giving and generosity and top flight bosses don't want to be left out.
So as the Big Man comes down the chimney, we have a look at what the 12 Premiership gaffers really need in their sack. Oh, and what little stocking fillers they could do with to make sure it's a new year full of cheer.
READ MORE: Kristers Tobers is Aberdeen FC transfer target as Jimmy Thelin kicks off January recruitment drive
Aberdeen
What they really want
Pape Gueye back. As soon as possible.
For a while it looked as if the Senegalese might have been the chaos factor fuelling a legitimate title challenge at Pittodrie. He exploded into life out of seemingly nowhere with five goals in five Premiership games. Then injury struck, and without him, they've been unable to sustain that astonishing early form.
That's not to say they would still be in the title hunt had he not got injured, but he'd certainly have helped. It was reported in early October he faced 14 weeks out, so his big comeback might need to wait until the January sales rather than coming down the chimney with Santa. But the sooner the better for Jimmy Thelin.
What they don't want
Interest in manager Jimmy Thelin could be the coal in the Dons' stocking. Fair enough, their early form has fallen by the wayside, but it's still been a mightily impressive first season for the Swede in Scotland. He'll get lucrative offers sooner rather than later, especially if he can lead the Dons to second place. For now though Dave Cormack and co will be quite happy if it all stays quiet on this front.
Stocking filler
It all depends on how Gueye is looking but if it is going to be months rather than weeks before he's back in the picture, then another striker wouldn't hurt to help them rediscover their scoring touch. Kevin Nisbet hasn't quite been the answer they were looking for on that front and fans will expect to see some of the Bojan Miovski cash splashed.
Celtic
What they really want
If you ask the fans, the answer is simple: Kieran Tierney.
But if you ask Brendan Rodgers, it's likely something a little more practical. Their 0-0 draw with Dundee United exposed the lack of quality out wide when Nicolas Kuhn isn't available, underlined further by the absence of ageing James Forrest. Yang isn't up to it and Luis Palma, by all accounts, looks like he's on his way out. So a younger option who is first-team ready and can compete with Kuhn and Daizen Maeda will certainly be at the top of the shortlist.
What they don't want
Celtic are a bit like that cousin you don't know particularly well but feel obliged to get something anyway. They're difficult to buy for. They've got basically everything they need, motoring along nicely at the top of the league and in with a real chance of a prolonged run in Europe. One thing they definitely don't need is any more centre-backs, with fringe men struggling as it is to nudge Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty out the way. So much so that Stephen Welsh is reported to be holding talks over a possible exit - although an impressive performance when called upon against Dundee United might make them think twice about letting hm go.
Stocking filler
Brendan Rodgers hasn't hidden the fact he wants another striker to offer some depth beyond Kyogo - and there could even be question marks over his future at Parkhead with ex Hoops boss Ronny Deila targeting him at Atlanta United - and Adam Idah. It appears he doesn't see Daniel Cummings, firing for the B-team, as a viable solution. Johnny Kenny, returning from a loan in Ireland, will be hoping to fill the void. But if he isn't up to the task then it's likely a new frontman, young with a high ceiling, will be at the top of Rodgers' list.
Dundee
What they really want
A place in the top six is the target for Dundee this season after a strong start has them propping up the top half of the table. Europe isn't out of reach either, but the more immediate concern is is an uncharacteristically leaky defence. A 1-0 defeat at Ibrox, though hardly a damaging result in isolation, means they've now shipped 30 in 17 games - the fourth worst record in the league. That's not Euro form so a new defensive signing or two to shore things up wouldn't go wrong.
What they don't want
Simon Murray can't even get into the Dee starting XI as things stand and that's a luxury not many teams in the Premiership can boast. Seb Palmer-Houlden is doing the business up top and, provided he sticks around until the summer, they don't need much up top.
Stocking filler
There isn't much in the way of natural width at Tony Docherty's disposal and that may be a minor concern. Minor, only because they don't actually play with wingers. But if Scott Tiffoney were to get injured then a lack of invention in the wing and attacking midfield areas might be a worry.
Dundee United
What they really want
Jim Goodwin's squad is largely well-balanced but they are lacking in a little natural width. Kai Fotheringham and Glenn Middleton were the starters against Celtic while Kristijan Trapanovski came off the bench, but another out-and-out wide player could give them another dimension and some more tactical flexibility.
What they don't want
Once captain Craig Sibbald is back in the fold then they're pretty much sorted for central midfield players. Youngsters Luca Stephenson and Miller Thompson have also impressed recently and Goodwin will likely be cautious not to block their pathway.
Stocking filler
Full-back cover is the footballing equivalent of a new three-pack of socks, or a Lynx Africa gift set. But needs must. Ryan Strain is the only natural right-back they currently have available so some cover in that position would be a useful addition.
Hibs
What they really want
It's starting to look up for Hibs after a miserable start to the season and you get the feeling it's going to be a big January for them. They're looking upwards rather than down at last, but there's still a problem position or two that need resolved - particularly in goals. Both Josef Bursik and Jordan Smith have had their moments to forget this season and an undisputed, reliable No.1 is the golden ticket David Gray may be looking out for, albeit that's easier said than done in January.
What they don't want
The Cadden twins are hitting their stride in Gray's five-at-the-back system so Hibs are sorted for wing-backs. They've also got Lewis Miller and Jordan Obita in reserve.
Stocking filler
Hibs' forward line is ageing, with Martin Boyle and 35-year-old Dwight Gayle among the key figures in the final third. Elie Youan still has his best years ahead of him, but a youthful attacker with room to grow would be a nice supplement to the squad. Albeit they may need to clear space first with one of the biggest squads in the league.
Hearts
What they really want
It's a curious quirk of Hearts' that they always seem to be smack-bang in the middle of an injury crisis. This time it's defensively, with Frankie Kent, Stephen Kingsley and Gerald Taylor among the absentees. Some new defenders please, Santa - particularly centre-backs. They also badly need another striker, whether Lawrence Shankland rediscovers his shooting boots or not.
What they don't want
His form may have dipped as he enters his 41st trip around the sun, but Craig Gordon doesn't appear to be going anywhere just yet. And neither is Zander Clark who has had to wait patiently behind him. Hearts won't be looking to shake it up in goals next month - unless, grimace, there's another injury.
Stocking filler
A new deal at last for Lawrence Shankland would put an end to the speculation over his future, particularly after he ended his long barren run without a goal against Dundee. He's unlikely to get the huge wage bump he was initially offered by the club off the back of last season, but poor season or not, tying down their skipper would be a nice bonus.
Kilmarnock
What they really want
Killie look like they are sleepwalking into a relegation battle after transforming from a formidable defensive unit into a ramshackle bunch with the joint-poorest goals conceded record in the league. They're unusually light on natural full-backs, particularly on the right side where their No.8 Brad Lyons has recently been filling in. Some depth there would be nice.
What they don't want
Between Bruce Anderson, Kyle Vassell, Marley Watkins and Innes Cameron, they should be sorted for strikers. Scoring goals isn't necessarily their problem anyway
Stocking filler
David Watson continues to impress even if the stunning goals have dried up a little. He's into the final 18 months on his contract from January so a new one of those for the 19-year-old would do nicely.
Motherwell
What they really want
A new deal for Lennon Miller, please and thank you. It's been a calmly impressive season for Motherwell so far who look well on track for a European spot if they can keep their form going. Keeping hold of rising star Miller will be integral to that, and they're unlikely to entertain any offers in January, unless they fall into the 'silly' category. But he's into the final year of his contract next season and his financial value, as a result, is deteriorating by the week. It's a matter of time before he gets a mega move and fans are enjoying him while it lasts: but news of a new deal would certainly make it a merry little Christmas in North Lanarkshire.
What they don't want
Any bids for Lennon Miller. See above.
Stocking filler
We'll just stay on the Lennon Miller theme, will we? The fact the central midfielder is their joint top scorer on four goals this season says they could do with a striker. Stuart Kettlewell has chopped and changed his forward options but hasn't found a consistent source of goals yet, with Tony Watt, Apostollos Stamatelopoulos and Moses Ebiye have shared the minutes while Zach Robinson is sidelined with injury. They'd like someone new to bang in the goals.
Rangers
What they really want
Injuries have taken hold at Rangers now and they're down to their bare bones at centre-back in particular. John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo are both out and their struggles have been amplified by the form of Robin Propper, who hasn't exactly set the heather alight. Dujon Sterling deputised there against Dundee to give Leon Balogun a rest, so they'll be hoping to unwrap a reinforcement or two in that position.
What they don't want
Once upon a time it looked as if Philippe Clement was desperately lacking in forward options. But slowly that has eased: Danilo is now keeping Cyriel Dessers out the team, Ianis Hagi is back in the picture, and Hamza Igamane emerged as a lethal option in the final third. Vaclav Cerny is also in decent form and there's a settled front four, with Oscar Cortes, Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland among those waiting in the wings.
Stocking filler
A decent offer for Cyriel Dessers, which would allow them to replace him with a more reliable goalscorer up front, certainly wouldn't go amiss. The Nigerian has dropped to the bench in recent weeks with Danilo back in the frame but the Brazilian's injury record has fans looking on nervously every time he hits the deck. Dessers, meanwhile, has never really convinced despite his reasonable scoring record. A lethal No.9 they can rely on, even on loan for the rest of the season, would put a smile on Clement's face.
Ross County
What they really want
One player County haven't replaced is Yan Dhanda, and they've seriously missed his goal contributions from midfield as a result. Ronan Hale and Jordan White have 14 goals between them, but the next top scorer on that list is Akil Wright, with two. Astonishingly, Joshua Nisbet is the only midfielder to have scored for them in the league this season, so a playmaker who knows where the back of the net is would suit them nicely.
What they don't want
They have eight natural centre-backs. That is, some would argue, too many natural centre-backs. They're still shipping goals for fun, mind you, but it's likely they'll need to find a balance with what they have currently, rather than sign anyone else.
Stocking filler
A run of defeats has taken the shine off what was a promising spell for County under Don Cowie and they're nervously looking over their shoulder again. It's no coincidence that it's come at the same time they've lost No.1 Ross Laidlaw, who is expected to be out until February at the earliest. They did bring in Jordan Amissah on a short-term deal but that only runs until January 1. And with Jack Hamilton not exactly impressing in the mean time, a new keeper they can rely on would lift a weight off Cowie's mind.
St Johnstone
What they really want
With no recognisable right-back to speak of, Saints have largely been playing either Lewis Neilson or Drey Wright out of position there. Someone to nail down that position would go a long way towards sorting out their leaky defence.
What they don't want
They're good at scoring goals. Benjamin Kimpioka is hitting the back of the net for fun and the rotating cast alongside him, which includes Nicky Clark, Adama Sidibeh and Makenzie Kirk who all know where the goal is, their attacking balance under Simo Valakari is spot on and they don't need to rock the boat here.
Stocking filler
If they can add a new defensive leader to a team that is scoring goals like it's currency, then they could be onto something very fun indeed. Kyle Cameron's form has been in and out so someone to settle him and take charge of things at the back would do.
St Mirren
What they really want
The Kevin van Veen experiment didn't work out, in the words of Stephen Robinson, and the boss has made it clear he wants a new striker to fill that void. It's easy to see why - Toyosi Olusanya started the season in good scoring form but even his goals have dried up, and none of their other forwards particularly look like racking them up. A No.9 who can rack up a few in the second half of the season, and a Europe isn't out of reach.
What they don't want
They've just signed Declan John on a free so that should be left-back sorted.
Stocking filler
Olusanya is in talks over a new deal and, goals drying up or not, they'll want to keep him beyond the summer. A shiny new contract for him, please!
