Mark Robins says maintaining Huddersfield Town’s progress is paramount as the January transfer window approaches.

Fans are keen to know whether the boss, whose 12th-placed team are in action at Brighton today, will bolster his squad as he aims to establish the club as a Championship contender.

Town could also have to deal with offers for their top players, with both striker James Vaughan and midfielder Ollie Norwood already linked with Celtic.

It will all be done within the parameters laid down under owner-chairman Dean Hoyle’s long-term plan to make the club more self-sustaining.

“We want to improve, of course we do, because otherwise we will be standing still, but the stability of the club is crucial,” explained Robins.

“I realise the supporters, who have been superb in backing the changes we have made to the playing style, want to know what could happen.

“All I can say is that if there is a deal to be done, regardless of which way, that is going to improve this club, we will try to get it done.

“Clearly we have to work within the overall framework of the budget set down and Financial Fair Play

“It’s always the case that market forces will determine what happens during the transfer window – but we have to be happy with the outcome for any deal to take place.”

Robins ran the rule over Town’s forthcoming FA Cup third-round opponents Grimsby at Blundell Park on Thursday.

He saw Paul Hurst’s side come from behind to claim a 3-1 win over Kidderminster Harriers which put them third in the Skrill Premier.

Town head to the East coast on Saturday, January 4 after league games at home to Derby (Boxing Day) and Yeovil (a week tomorrow) and away to Burnley (January 1).