Where Dons need strengthen during the January transfer window

Let's not beat around the bush - MK Dons have a big transfer window ahead of them. With the team unable to break out of the lower teens in League One, inconsistent performances and goals in short demand, Russell Martin could feasibly and justifiably look at every position on the field and think about strengthening when the window reopens.

Obviously, he is not going to go out and buy 11 new first-teamers and a string of squad players to make up his bench, but there will be areas he will look to improve with immediate effect. Outgoings too should be on the agenda and radar, with some key players linked with futures away from Stadium MK.

January is a notoriously difficult month to negotiate though, so while every area on the pitch could be strengthened, some should be given more attention

Goalkeeper

Andrew Fisher's performances in goal since taking over the number one spot from Lee Nicholls have been a lot more reliable than anticipated. The chances of a new first-choice goalkeeper being on Martin's shopping list are slim, however, a second choice may be on the agenda. Nicholls' deal is up at the end of the season, but another six months playing second-fiddle won't be his preferred option. Any club seeking out a replacement stopper could do a lot worse than the 28-year-old.

Central defence

We've all lost count of the number of times Martin has said "the opposition had one shot and scored it" so the defence should be a position of focus in January. Warren O'Hora's performances have been brilliant since arriving from Brighton on loan in the summer, but the experience of Dean Lewington and Richard Keogh haven't brought about the reliability the manager will have wanted. Though Regan Poole and George Williams can play centrally and wide, another centrally minded recruit should be high on the shopping list.

Wing-backs

Russell Martin has options here. Regan Poole, George Williams, Matthew Sorinola, Daniel Harvie and Ben Gladwin can all play the hybrid winger/full-back role, but given their attacking expectations, that final ball into the box is often lacking. While it is unlikely to be an area of focus for recruitment, a big-money bid for Sorinola could well see the youngster heading elsewhere but certainly for now, there is cover should he depart.

Defensice midfield

David Kasumu has gone from plucky youngster to essential midfield lynchpin this season, and it has come at the ideal time. With Jordan Houghton and Louis Thompson out injured for the next few weeks, and Andrew Surman only on a short-term deal, bolstering the centre of the park - particularly the defensive role - could be on the agenda.

Attacking midfield

Scott Fraser is one of the few names guaranteed a spot in the starting line-up every week, and Lasse Sorensen looks like he has clicked into gear too alongside him. Any recruitment in this position should only be for a crown-jewel type player - one which cannot be passed on. Otherwise, the likes of Ste Walker and Ben Gladwin are more than enough to provide back-up in the attacking role.

Strikers

Always a position which can be bolstered and added to, Dons should be seeking more goals in January. Carlton Morris' future remains unclear with Norwich reportedly fielding talks for his services from 2021 onwards. And despite his brace in his only game this season, Kieran Agard remains surplus to requirements at Stadium MK, and should any offer come for him, it would open a big chunk of the wage cap for Dons to manoeuvre within. While Cameron Jerome can play roles outside and inside the box, he cannot do both at the same time, so a potent finisher who, like Dons opponents so often do, can score with their first sight of goal will be a hugely welcome addition to the side.