Kevin Nisbet may not have had the impact expected at Aberdeen, but they would still like to keep him.
The former Hibs striker joined on loan from Millwall early this season and it was a piece of business the club were applauded for as fans remembered his scoring exploits at Easter Road.
The early signs suggested it was going to be worthwhile. Pape Gueye was on fire as the Dons’ main striker early season but Nisbet came in to good effect too.
He scored three goals in his first six appearances, with only four of those being starts.
That early season form was such that Aberdeen were urged to try and make Nisbet’s stay a permanent one.
Unfortunately, the 27-year-old hasn’t scored since.
The Dons are looking to do transfer business in January and need reinforcements in defence, midfield and attack.
Manager Jimmy Thelin admitted his injury crisis was adding to that.
But Millwall hold a recall option on Nisbet and that being exercised could add to the requirements at Pittodrie.
Thelin not worried about Nisbet Aberdeen exit
Aberdeen boss Thelin has already spoken about being prepared for different eventualities in January and always having different plans in place.
So he is relaxed about the possibility of losing the Scotland international.
The Swede said: “I take it what it is right now and not so much if things change.
“Now we focus on what actually is today. That’s the way we have to do because you never know when someone gets sold, someone gets injured or someone goes back from a loan.
“It’s better to focus on what you have, but then have the long-term process around. Then if something short-term happens, an issue, then we have to look at it that way.
“We can’t guess which position is going to disappear but we have to have a long-term strategy and then also be prepared in every position. That’s why you’re building this recruitment process that you have.
“To try to have some alternatives in different categories on every position in the team but then also it’s a market, somebody is going to disappear, then you have to find another one. It’s an ongoing process all the time.”
Aberdeen will ‘never rest’
Thelin added: “You can never rest in that case. It’s not only because of the window.
“I worked a lot before, then the market will change because the player, maybe your target goes to another club. Then you have to add another one. Just keep moving like that all the time.”