Given his team's early season struggles, Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton is firmly focused on matters on the pitch. But with just one month to go before the transfer window opens, he also has an eye on January.
The Reds manager has previously spoken about looking to make a few “tweaks” to his squad - although a poor run of results may mean a revision of any early plans.
Forest made 14 signings in the summer, yet they sit in 21st spot after 14 games, two points off the relegation zone.
Both results and performances need to improve.
Turning around that form enough to launch a top six push is beginning to look a tough ask.
Hughton has a talented group with which to work; there is plenty of quality there. He will no doubt want to make his own mark on the squad, though with the business previously done, it is unlikely there will be wholesale changes.
Getting any recruitment right is crucial - a lesson learned from the last winter window.
We've taken a look at what might be in the manager's thinking ahead of next month.
Get Grosicki?
Do Forest go back in for the West Bromwich Albion winger - again?
They’d tried to get Kamil Grosicki before, and tried again this summer. Should they give it another go? Or should they see this as one to move on from?
A dispute about whether paperwork was submitted in time for a loan deal led to an arbitration hearing ruling against the club last month.
If they do make another bid to sign him, that’s a saga the Reds would no doubt be keen to avoid a repeat of.
Grosicki would be a good addition. There is still a need for more creativity in the side.
Hughton has been coy about whether the Poland international would be a possibility for a January move, saying: “In every window, every manager and every team will look at the options they’ve got - players you can bring in and players who haven’t played so much.
“That’s the opportunity for every club.”
He does have a decision to make.
Net Knockaert
This is an easy one.
Anthony Knockaert is on loan at the City Ground from Fulham in January. Forest, though, have the option to buy.
Surely there can’t be any debate about whether they should exercise that option?
The winger hasn’t exactly hit full throttle yet, but he has shown enough to demonstrate he can be a class act.
Knockaert is the kind of player who can have a huge influence on games. Exactly what Hughton’s side need to push themselves up the table.
Having been light on wide options last season, the Reds won’t want to be depleted in that area at a crucial time in the campaign.
If they let Knockaert go, they’d only have to look for other reinforcements.
It may depend on how much the Cottagers are looking to recoup, but for the right price, this could be good business.
Striker speculation
There is an element of the unknown about what will happen to Lewis Grabban in January.
He was wanted by former boss Sabri Lamouchi, now managing Al Duhail, before the Qatari transfer window closed late last month.
It was understood the Reds forward was keen on the move initially, before agreeing to stay at the City Ground following talks with the club.
It would come as little surprise, however, if that transfer link resurfaces when the window reopens.
Forest are believed to have made it clear to Grabban that he is a key player and a much-needed one in the bid for a promotion push.
But with Lyle Taylor putting in some decent performances, Grabban could face a fight for a starting spot when he returns from injury.
Beyond an initial selection dilemma, Hughton may find himself having to contend with uncertainty about last term’s top scorer for the club.
Cut numbers
This seems to be the case for nearly every transfer window. There is still a pretty top-heavy squad in place, and some players who are seeing little game time.
If Hughton does want to add a few of his own men, that will only bloat numbers further.
Overseeing a few departures, either on loan or on permanent deals, should be a priority.
Michael Hefele and Zach Clough played in a practice game recently, but as was the case under Lamouchi, have not been part of Hughton’s plans.
Forest have been unable to move them on in the past, but will no doubt try again.
Meanwhile, with three right-backs on the books, Tendayi Darikwa has been the unfortunate one out of favour.
The Zimbabwe international could be among those who would benefit from heading elsewhere - even if just on a temporary basis.
