Keates, who has already added Norwich City winger Matt Jarvis and KV Mechelen midfielder Omar Mussa to his squad, admitted that he needs to add more players over the coming weeks but is often forced to play the waiting game as the Saddlers are unable to compete financially but can offer the prospect of regular football.
Speaking via the Express & Star, the 40-year-old, Walsall-born boss said; "There is progress. We need to add. We need to strengthen. All being well, in the next few days one or two could be added. We have got things out there but as it stands, January is a strange window.
"If you are looking at loans, everyone wants full recovery of the wages and if you are looking at permanent signings, you are being played off by agents. We are not always going to be the highest payers. But we can offer an opportunity to come and play.
"We are competing against other clubs for players and hopefully they make the right decision. We will do our business as quickly as we can and fingers crossed we are close to a couple."