NEW Motherwell boss Jim Gannon has spoken to out-of-contract midfielder Stephen Hughes about returning to Fir Park.

Former Rangers starlet Hughes is currently without a club after his deal with the Steelmen expired.

And both Aberdeen, where former Well supremo Mark McGhee has taken over as gaffer, and Hearts are keen to land him.

However, former Stockport manager Gannon has spoken to Hughes about returning to the Lanarkshire club.

Gannon, who has a first team squad of just 11 players, wants to make around five or six signings before the SPL season gets underway.

He said: "I need five or six signings. There is a bigger and fresher pool down in England and there are players who could come up and do well. We've seen that in the past.

"I have to assess the squad then decide if there are going to be even more incomings and outgoings.

"We are already actively speaking to certain players and agents."

The imminent departure of Paul Quinn, expected to sign for Cardiff, will leave Gannon with a threadbare squad for tomorrow's Europa League match with Llanelli.

The Steelmen lost 3-1 to Welsh champions Rhyl in a closed-doors friendly on Saturday, but Gannon is confident he can mould the players into an organised group in time.

"Any manager's brief is purely about making sure he gets the best out of the players available to him," he added.

"That's all I'm looking to do - making sure the players are well organised, well drilled and know exactly what they are doing when they go out on the pitch.

"In due course, I hope we'll strengthen."