Boss Chris Hughton admits the emphasis of any remaining transfer business for Nottingham Forest will be on the here and now - rather than on the long-term.
The Reds manager says there is always planning going on for the future, but his priority is to ensure he has a squad capable of securing survival.
Forest are 20th in the Championship table ahead of tomorrow’s clash at home to Barnsley, just two points above the relegation zone.
They have extended the loan deal of Anthony Knockaert from Fulham and brought in Filip Krovinovic on loan from Benfica last week, with Hughton hoping to strengthen his attacking arsenal further before Monday’s deadline.
A reunion with striker Glenn Murray, who he worked with at Brighton and Hove Albion, could be on the cards.
Currently on loan at Watford, he is said to have been training alone in recent weeks and the Reds are understood to be keen to sign the 37-year-old.
Asked about the balance between short and long-term considerations, Hughton told NottinghamshireLive: “It is difficult.
“By far the most important thing is now, because now protects whatever you want to do for the future and next season.
“There is planning that goes into next season - because we’ve got players whose contracts are up - and potential players that can come in or loan players; you are continually doing that work.
“But by far, it’s about the importance of now; making sure we’ve got the squad we want now and can get the results we need to get now.”
Among those whose deals will come to an end this summer are Michael Dawson, Sammy Ameobi and Samba Sow.
Hughton said: “Particularly for me, that is something which is very much about club business.
“When it comes to contracts, levels of contracts and whose contracts are up, these are things where there’s always generally a lot of work done behind the scenes.
“But by far the most important thing now is the players who are playing, and them producing good enough performances to win games.”
