ON THE eve of the January transfer window re-opening, Scunthorpe United manager Ian Baraclough is keeping his cards tight to his chest.

There is a hint though that he is hoping to bring in a new face sometime during the first few days of 2011.

It will be a permanent signing – but he has dismissed speculation that it might be former Iron striker Paul Hayes who has struggled to settle since his summer move to fellow Championship side Preston.

Baraclough's sights are clearly fixed elsewhere as he looks to quickly strengthen a squad battling to avoid the drop.

"I am not going to start talking about individual players because it would not be fair to them or the clubs they are at," the United boss insisted.

"We will keep that in house until anything we do has been completed.

"But yes, I would like to get something sorted as soon as possible.

"The rules do permit that if you sign anybody early enough, then they could play tomorrow.

"But it would be more realistic for any new signing to play on January 3 – or definitely against Everton in the FA Cup next Saturday.

"I believe Everton is a more realistic hope.

"Would it be fair to bring a player in and play him on January 3 (in the home game against Watford)? I would say not.

"It's a difficult ask to come straight in. But it's not beyond the realms."

Strengthening his defence and the attack are likely to be Baraclough's two top priorities.

"Ideally permanent players are what we are looking at," he continued.

"Loan deals are more of an emergency or needs must situation.

"Players feel a lot better if they are working here all the time and you know you are going to get more out of them if they are playing for their living.

"That's nothing against players who have been here, it's fact.

"But if you can bring someone in on a loan basis for the rest of the season, then that is something to look at."

A full, or short, term return for former United favourite Hayes though seems to be ruled out.

The 27-year-old is set to return to Preston next week after being out on loan to Barnsley for a couple of months.

His summer move to Deepdale has not yet worked out for him, with much speculation linking him to a Glanford Park return.

"It's the media that won't let the name of Paul Hayes go away," Baraclough insisted.

"Yes, I have spoken to Paul while he has been at Preston – but as a friend.

"I do not think it is a realistic option for him to come back here.

"He committed himself to a three year deal with Preston and that is something he is now only six months into."