Derby boss Wayne Rooney admits he needs clarity on transfers - and fast.
The Rams are under a transfer embargo which limits the type of signings Rooney can make. He is restricted to half-season loan deals and signing free agents.
It is just the latest problem in a long line of off-field issues at County.
Rooney made the admission after watching his side put up a good fight against his old club Manchester United.
The 2-1 defeat saw the former England man hand outings to a clutch of trialists. Whilst he is permitted to play them in bounce games, Rooney knows that concrete contract offers need to be handed out if they are to be in contention for the Championship opener on August 7.
Rooney says he is down to the bare bones and that developments in the boardroom need to happen fast to give him a proper chance next season.
"It's a challenge," Rooney admitted, when asked if the constant off-field dramas are a distraction.
"It's not ideal and is something which I'm constantly aware of and am constantly trying to get answers.
"At the minute I'm still not getting what I want so I have to just focus on the players. I'm not 100 per cent sure of the ins and outs of it (takeover), so I just have to focus on the football
"Something has to happen. It has to.
"For instance, if you look at my squad of players then if nothing changes I haven't got a centre-back.
"In order for us to compete this season, something has to give. I'm preparing the team on the basis that it does happen.
"Otherwise I'm probably down to seven or eight players.
"I'll do my best for this football club. They've given me an opportunity in management.
"Of course I need help with what's going on. I believe that support will come.
"I could do with it now! I could do with it quicker than where it's been but I have to just be focused on the lads and be confident it will happen."
Among the five trialists who featured against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side was former United midfielder Ravel Morrison.
Without a club since January, the 28-year-old was famously described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the most talented youngster he worked with. But his stock has fallen considerably since then and his career has seen him move from club to club.
Rooney says that Morrison, who played an hour against his old club, has made a big impact since arriving at Derby.
"I think with Ravel, he's very misunderstood," Rooney added.
"His ability is clear for everyone to see. Since he's been with us, the standards in training have gone up.
"There's things he does on and off the ball that I can recognise immediately. That's where he's brought the levels up in training.
"He showed some nice touches on the pitch against United but we need to remember he hasn't played for a very, very long time.
"So it was natural that physically he was going to tire."
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