CALLUM DAVIDSON has revealed that St Johnstone are still hopeful of doing a deal for former Arsenal youngster Charlie Gilmour.
The Scotland youth international is back training with Saints after a successful trial period and Herald and Times Sport understand that a deal is still on the table at McDiarmid Park.
Ahead of St Johnstone’s match with Aberdeen, Davidson said: “I hope to get something sorted with Charlie later this week. He’s missed a bit of football but is one for the future.
“He played in the Europa League with Arsenal, went to Norwich and then to Holland but has lost his way a bit. He’s got good size and is very good technically, so he’s the kind of player we want to bring in.
“We looked at him before but the timing wasn’t right. I looked at it with the chairman and we have a bit of a gap with our midfielders because we have a few older ones then it’s Ali McCann.
“So Charlie coming in would give us another young one in there and a good balance.
“He’s the kind of player the club has done well with in the past, plus he’s got Scottish connections so is very keen to come up here and play.
“Hopefully we get it sorted and then crack on with getting the best out of him.”
Davidson was quick to hail Rangers loanee Glenn Middleton, who moved to Perth on Tuesday until the end of the season.
After Middleton's first training session with the Perth side Davidson told: “Glenn is slightly different to what I have, he’s got good pace, he’s direct and has good delivery so he adds another option.
“He can play wide on the left or right, so with him and Michael O’Halloran we have that directness whereas Craig Conway and David Wotherspoon are more technical.
“So it’s a good mix we have now. It’s a big move for him, he had a few other offers so I’m delighted he decided to come here.
“I have seen him play for Rangers, Hibs and Scotland U21s over the years so he’s someone I have always liked. He’s played at a good level with Rangers as well, he played in Europe and they rate him quite highly.
“It has just been difficult for him to break through and establish himself there right now. He’s hungry and that’s one of the things I was keen on, he wants to come here and really do well.”
Saints are also close to tying down stalwart David Wotherspoon on a new deal with his current contract coming to an end in the summer.
Davidson explained: “David is close to agreeing, things are positive there. Barring any massive hiccups that will be sorted and that would be great news because he’s been excellent this season.
“With David, because he’s so talented, you always want more from him and he’s getting consistency these days.
“He knows the game, he is one you don’t have to tell what to do in games because he understands it and you can see that in the way he plays.”
Asked if Saints would be looking to do anymore transfer business this window, Davidson added: “We are still looking but I am happy with the squad we’ve got.
“If we get someone who will really improve us and make us a lot better then we’d have a go at it. They would have to be someone who could come in and make a massive difference to the team because we have players hitting good form now.”
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