Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman has expressed regret at not attempting to sign former loanees Liam Feeney and Kevin McNaughton.
The two players, who are contracted to Millwall and Cardiff City respectively, spent time on loan at the Reebok Stadium this season, but returned to their parent clubs after their spells expired.
"Looking back on my time so far, I'd try to buy one or two of the players before I'd taken them on loan," Freedman told the Bolton News.
"That's a judgement you make and there are different details to each one but when someone comes into this building it's because I want to keep them.
"It means I have looked at them, analysed their game, and they fit in with what I want from them. So if I'm honest, and in hindsight, I wish I'd nailed down a deal for both Liam and Kevin."
The Ttorrers, who travel to Millwall this afternoon, currently occupy 19th place in the Championship table.