I would definitely be trying to invest in youth or get some quality academy players, I had some early setbacks when forced to sell all my old players but it's definitely an excellent way in the long term, now my average squad age is about 22 and I don't have anybody retiring or deteriorating.
Also, I would play Doran in your defence, still a quality player and one who I think would free it up.
And don't be afraid to just cut players if selling them won't work, obviously you don't want wages to be too high so anybody around 2 star potential is easy to cut. I'd be looking to sell guys like Rood, H.Doran, Wilkes, McDonald etc, and getting any funds you can get to re-invest in younger players
Now watch as you crush me in the YF league....