SWINDON Town manager Richie Wellens still hopes to bring a new creative talent to the club before the end of the January transfer window on Thursday, but admits some players may need to move on first in order to finance another new arrival.

Wellens has so far made three additions to his squad this month, with three permanent arrivals complemented by three loan signings.

However, the Town boss is eager to add another fresh face before the window shuts and a player with attacking quality is top of his wish list.

Wellens’ felt the lack of that guile within his ranks at present was particularly evident in Saturday’s lacklustre 1-0 defeat at home to Crawley Town in League Two.

However, Wellens says outgoings from the squad are likely to be required before any further new signings can be made.

“I have said it a number of times, when we play and teams want to come and play against us, we are pretty good,” said Wellens.

“When teams come and bank in, I need that clever player who can move and take one-against-ones and take players on and suck players out of their positions.

“On Saturday, we didn’t really have that clever play when I am giving the team the freedom to play.

“There were too many straight lines, not enough playing around corners and being creative – nowhere near enough.

“I am trying (to make a signing) but we all know that creative players and strikers cost a lot money.

“At this moment, we are not really able to pay what the likes of Lincoln and Bury are. We have to be a little bit patient and as the transfer window ticks on, more and more players become cheaper as clubs are desperate to get them out.

“We are trying to move a couple on just to free up a bit of money.”

Last week, teenage defender Joe Romanski joined National League South side Bath City on a youth loan.

Post-match against Crawley, Wellens stated that additional youth loans were close to being concluded for striker Sol Pryce and midfielder Jordan Edwards.

However, those deals alone are not enough to counter any prospective new arrivals.

Wellens said: “We believe Sol Pryce will be going on a youth loan to Braintree and Jordan Edwards is hopefully going to go to Marlow.

“But financially, they are not really making any difference to us. We need to try to get a couple of the players who are on a decent amount out to try to free up some money.”