Hamilton boss John Rankin has revealed FOUR deals failed to come to fruition on deadline day as they sought a replacement for strike starlet Ryan Oné.
But the New Douglas Park side aren't giving up hope of strengthening their squad with the loan window open until the end of the month.
Oné agreed to join English Premier League side Sheffield United yesterday after the deal had initially stalled, and he completed his move to The Blades this morning for a six-figure fee.
Rankin - who has made 12 summer signings so far - says the club worked to bring in a replacement and other players across the board, and were unsuccessful.
But he insists not all of their moves are dead in the water.
He explained: "We agreed deals yesterday with four of five players to bring them in, after working hard during the week.
"We pinpointed certain players we wanted to bring in but, unfortunately, the players decided to go elsewhere, or decided to stay where they are and fight for their place at their current team.
"That was very disappointing after having deals accepted by clubs.
"After that, it comes down to the player.
"Some of them aren't a no, some of them need a wee bit longer to think about it.
"The loan window is open until the end of the month so there is that, but we just need to speak to the players again this week and see where we are."
On Oné's exit, he said: "We wish him well and wish him good luck. I haven't spoken to him yet but I'm sure I will in the coming days.
"The two clubs eventually agreed on a fee and he went down because he felt it was an opportunity to enhance his career.
"He is a 17-year-old kid who has played 36 games in the first team and scored four goals so he was always going to catch the eye.
"Ryan had a huge part
Sporting
UPS
on
John Rankin