Walsall-born Keates, who has already added to his strikeforce with the arrival of National League top-scorer Andy Cook - who will be leaving Tranmere Rovers when his contract expires at the end of June - is not short of options with the huge number of players set to become free agents in around a month's time.
Dean, who was speaking to Express & Star reporter Matt Maher, said; "I want players who will be able to go straight into the team. It has to be that way. It’s a busy time. I’ve been speaking to players and their agents. If my phone only rings 50 times then it is a quiet day. There are hundreds, if not thousands of players who are going to be out of contract. The important thing is the players we bring in are right for us and can improve the team."
The gaffer then went on to talk about which positions he's looking to add numbers to, confirming that the backline needs particular attention, he continued; "I want to bring in another centre-half, there is no point pretending otherwise. At the moment we only have Jon and Kory in that position. We need wingers too, players who will get crosses into the box, get the fans excited and off their seats."