St Johnstone prepare for transfer hype

May 26 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

TRANSFER conjecture will be stalking St Johnstone for the next few weeks.

Manager Derek McInnes has drawn-up a list of potential targets as he bids to strengthen his squad for the SPL.

Dunfermline keeper Paul Gallacher remains on the wish list but Perth sources have ridiculed national newspaper claims they have lodged a £20,000 bid for the player.

The East Enders are anxious to trim their wage bill and Gallacher, a former international, is one of their highest paid players.

He has two years left on his contract.

His salary could prove a stumbling block so a transfer fee would be a non-starter for the Perth club.

Former Gretna striker Kenny Deuchar could be targeted as a replacement for Derek Holmes, who has left for Queen of the South. But he is one of several potential targets.

McInnes was impressed with the powerful target man during a loan spell from Gretna in 2007. He scored 10 goals in 14 games.

The Doc then headed for a spell in American football before joining Hamilton Accies.

McInnes has made no secret of his desire to add a player with presence to his frontline options. Since taking command he has brought in Deuchar, Daniel McBreen and Holmes.

With Stuart McCaffrey signing an extended deal yesterday, McInnes has already bagged Alan Main, Gary Irvine, Graham Gartland and Paul Sheerin, with Kevin Rutkiewicz extending his contract. Dave Mackay and Murray Davidson have come in from Livingston for a fee of around £50,000.