By SCOTT MULLEN
IAN BARACLOUGH, the Motherwell manager, is keen to bring even more familiar faces back to Fir Park as his recruitment drive continues.
In the last week winger Lionel Ainsworth has signed up for another two years while former striker David Clarkson, who started out at the Lanarkshire club, returned to pen a one-year deal.
Baraclough has revealed he is looking for around five or six more players to complete his squad for the forthcoming Ladbrokes Premiership campaign, and he has not given up hope of bringing back those who helped his team avoid relegation last season.
Top of the list is Scott McDonald, whose arrival in February revolutionised Motherwell's attack and helped spark fellow forward Lee Erwin's goalscoring form that ultimately earned him a move to Leeds United.
"I've spoken to Scott since he came back from being away with his family," said Baraclough.
"He's going to have opportunities to go elsewhere, we know that. But I think he enjoyed his time here and we certainly had the right ending that everyone wanted and he played his part along with everyone else.
"We're talking to him."
As well as McDonald, three loanees who flourished last year in the form of Sheffield United goalkeeper George Long, Nottingham Forest defender Louis Laing and Everton midfielder Conor Grant are also on Baraclough's radar.
"Some of the loan players will come into our thoughts," he said. "We've spoken to one or two of them about that because their situations have changed. Louis has been allowed to seek employment elsewhere so we'll see where we go on that one.
"George is with Sheffield United at this moment. If that changes, then obviously there will be interest from me on that one.
"Nigel [Adkins] will have his own thoughts on how he wants to work with the players, but we'll keep an eye on it and see how it develops. The goalkeeping area is one where we definitely want to bring someone in and we're working on it."
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