They may still be at the top end of their playing budget, but Scunthorpe United hope their first move into the January transfer window is imminent.

Clubs were able to begin bringing in new signings on permanent deals from midnight and after watching his side labour to an injury-time draw with bottom-of-the-table Chesterfield yesterday, assistant boss Chris Brass admitted the Iron are in desperate need of reinforcements.

Brass says Scunthorpe are unlikely to have a new face at Glanford Park in time for tomorrow's trip to Hartlepool United – though is not ruling that possibility out totally.

Instead he believes movement is more likely before the end of the week, though is remaining tight-lipped on targets.

"We possibly could do something (in time for Hartlepool), but we'll have to wait and see how bodies are," Brass told the Telegraph.

"With the size of everybody's squads, a lot of clubs wait to see how they got through the weekend's games and the festive period.

"They're often reluctant to do anything until after these two games so it will probably be after that.

"Finances will dictate what we can do to strengthen, but we'll do the best we can with the resources we have.

"It's a challenge and we'll have to move and shake, as often happens with personnel at a football club, but it's up to us to get a squad that can get us out of the situation we're in."

Scunthorpe were closely linked with Stalybridge Cetic striker Connor Jennings throughout December, with boss Alan Knill fuelling speculation of a possible bid by confirming he had enquired about the 19-year-old.

A striker is likely to be at the top of United's wish list, but is unlikely to be the only area in which they are keen to strengthen.

Having had to cope with a lengthy injury list, during which the side has too often picked itself, Brass believes the addition of fresh faces will move some players out of their comfort zones and help eradicate the mistakes which are costing them dearly.

"Sometimes you have to accept that you mess up and in the nature of the business we're in, you need telling," said the former Burnley defender.

"It's not pointing fingers, because you live and die by the sword. But you have to be told in the right manner that if you continue to make mistakes things will change.

"With freshening things up, getting players back and making the squad stronger, it makes it easier from our perspective to do that.

"When you get people being kept on their toes, these mistakes don't happen as much because you're looking over your shoulder, knowing that if they continue you'll lose your shirt.

"As a player, all you should worry about is keeping your shirt."