Don't expect Manchester City to bring in any major signings in the next three weeks, but that doesn't mean significant steps cannot be made behind the scenes.
City want a striker to be their long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero, but their top targets are not available this month, and Pep Guardiola made it clear that they wouldn't be signing a centre-forward this month even despite losing Ferran Torres.
The Blues have shown this season they have attacking midfielders and wingers good enough to rotate and play as a false nine, and are hardly in a bad position without a striker so far. They won't rush into a signing they don't need to make.
However, they can still use the time wisely, and it seems there is still a lot of activity at the Etihad this month to plan for the future.
The loans of bright prospects Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle are being reviewed to ensure they get the most out of the next six months, while there may be a consideration for other academy players to get a short-term switch.
James McAtee's brilliant form for the under-23s has seen him get linked with various transfers, either on loan or permanently, while there could also be scope for some City Football Group players to get a switch for the second half of the season.
City know just how important a loan away can be for a young player's progression - either to give them valuable senior experience or to increase their sell-on value. Or both.
They won't waste the January window in this regard, as their recent CFG sales in the last two or three years have proved to be an extremely useful way to raise transfer funds for the first team.
Another area where City excel is their long-term planning with player contracts, with any issues often identified and sorted well in advance of a player getting to the end of their current deal.
City got £90m for Leroy Sane and Ferran Torres when they wanted to leave as a result of their long-term contracts, and that figure could top £100m if various clauses are met, potentially doubling their money on what they spent on both players.
Eric Garcia was allowed to leave on a free transfer, but City were open to selling him with a season left on his contract but Barcelona wouldn't meet their minimum asking price.
So it's no surprise that City will be looking to ensure they are protected in the cases of any want-away players in the future, while two players are now into the final six months of their contracts.
Fernandinho and Scott Carson signed one-year deals in the summer, and both cases are exemptions to the long-term rule given their ages and places in the squad. Those players are unlikely to be a priority this month, although a look ahead to players now into the final 18-months of their contracts shows a list of possible extensions City may want to consider.
Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are the most notable of first-teamers out of contract in 2023, with Sterling's case a tricky one given his declaration that he may look to leave if he isn't playing regularly.
Since that eyecatching revelation earlier this season, Sterling has won his spot back in the team and been a key player in December, starting six out of eight Premier League games since December 1, scoring five times and assisting in another. It's his best form in months and is a reminder of Pep Guardiola's stance that good form will see you keep your place.
Reports say Sterling may now be open to extending his deal, and City would be keen to do that this season before he enters the final year of his contract. Likewise, Gabriel Jesus has been a revelation this season on the wing, and it would be a statement of intent to give him a new contract, especially with the expected arrival of a striker in the summer.
Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan are also both out of contract in 2023, when both will be 32. Perhaps it may be better to wait to see how their game has adapted into next season, although few fans would complain if they were tied down for longer than next season given their critical roles in Guardiola's team.
Into the academy and youngsters, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Finley Burns are out of contract in the summer, having played key roles for the under-23s this season and made their senior debuts. CJ Egan-Riley, James McAtee and Romeo Lavia, also given debuts this year, are out of contract in 2023, along with many other key members of the EDS like Sam Edozie and Oscar Bobb.
City are aware of the value in young players, coupled with their desire to play regular senior football, so will be ready to deal with an exciting generation of academy talent to get the best long-term solution for both player and club.
If a striker isn't going to arrive in January, City can get to work and ensure when that forward eventually arrives, they come into a settled, long-term squad all committed to the club for at least two seasons.
