SWINDON Town manager Richie Wellens says the club are already working on prospective deals so they can do swift business once the transfer window re-opens in January.

Wellens has targeted improving the Swindon squad since his appointment at the club in mid-November, believing it to be top-heavy with youngsters at present.

Former Premier League manager Paul Jewell was unveiled as Town’s new director of football last week and will be involved in the identification of prospective new signings.

Wellens revealed Swindon are working on numerous deals at present, including extending the stays of the current loanees within the squad as well as fresh permanent additions too.

Top of that list is likely to be keeping hold of central defender Sid Nelson, who sees his loan from Championship club Millwall expire early in the new year.

And although fellow defender Luke Woolfenden, midfielder Steven Alzate and striker Elijah Adebayo signed season-long loans last summer, it is understood they have review periods in January.

“We are planning now. We’re definitely not going to leave things until January 1 so we’re chasing our tails,” said Wellens.

“I think the lads in there have done great, but we need help with some numbers.

“We’re doing all we can. We want to put in place to extend the loans we’ve got, and then want to get a couple more bodies through the door.”

In terms of immediate aid within his squad, Wellens says that is unlikely to come in time for this weekend’s League Two contest at home to Cheltenham Town.

Prior to last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Grimsby Town, Wellens had hoped to welcome striker Marc Richards back into the fold for the first time since late October.

However, the 36-year-old remains on the sidelines due to injury and Wellens is not optimistic of him appearing in Swindon’s final pre-Christmas fixture.

“Marc didn’t make training, he’s still with the physio at the moment,” said Wellens.

“He’s very doubtful for Saturday. He was back and was in the team to start against Port Vale (on November 24), but he broke down in the warm-up.

“He’s not trained since, so he’s a big doubt for next Saturday.”

Saturday’s derby against Cheltenham is the first of Swindon’s final three fixtures of 2018. Wellens also takes his side to Northampton Town on Boxing Day and then Mansfield Town on December 29.