Gutted Neil Lennon admits Liverpool's late push for Ben Davies has left his side scrambling to find a central defensive alternative.
The Premiership champions believed they were in the driving seat to secure the 25-year-old Preston defender on a pre-contract before Jurgen Klopp stepped in to "gazump" them.
And the 49-year-old admits his side are looking for alternatives with Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga an option.
The England youth international also had admirers in West Brom and Southampton in the race to secure a loan deal.
But Lennon couldn't his disappointment after missing out on his No.1 target.
He said: "It's a blow because we were very close to doing that and obviously we got gazumped at the last minute by Liverpool.
"He lives in that area and I'm sure financially it would have been quite rewarding for him as well so disappointed but we move on."
But Lennon is excited about the impending deal to secure Jonjoe Kenny with the right-back at Lennoxtown putting the finishing touches on a loan until the end of the season.
He added: "He's a player I have liked for a while.
"He is at Everton obviously and had a very good career at England youth at under-21 level and I watched quite a bit of him last season when he was on loan at Schalke.
"I like his qualities, his enthusiasm for the game, his character and I think he will bring that to the team.
"He is a bubbly sort of personality and he plays that way as well. He is ready to start and itching to play as well.
Olivier Ntcham is nearing the exit door as he moves closer to a loan with option to but with Marseille.
