With less than six weeks to go before the Championship season begins, Nottingham Forest’s rebuilding job has yet to get going.
Other than the publication of the club’s retained list, confirming the exit of 12 players - seven out of contract and five whose loan deals were up - there has been little by way of transfer movement.
Goalkeeper George Shelvey has agreed a season-long loan with Mansfield Town, making it a total of 14 departures, if you include Marcus McGuane leaving for Oxford United before the end of the season.
But so far, there have been no new signings.
It means there is plenty of work for the Reds to do ahead of the upcoming campaign and before the window closes.
We’ve taken a look at how things stand.
Potential incomings
It has all gone very quiet on this front. Forest have been linked with a string of targets - some rumours with more base to them than others.
Some of those players have ended up going elsewhere, with the likes of Josh Ruffels putting pen to paper for Huddersfield Town and Charlie Wyke seemingly edging towards a switch to Celtic.
Others have plenty of clubs fighting for their signature, with the Reds facing a fair bit of competition - particularly when it comes to forwards.
Forest are not the only Championship club still to announce any new additions. Some teams have been busy, but on the whole, the window has been a slow-burner.
Moreover, looking at the list of deals done, a significant proportion of them have been free agents. It’s clear budgets across the division are tight this year and clever business is required.
Positions to target
Sorting out the attack is boss Chris Hughton’s most pressing concern. It is painfully obvious where the Reds have to improve from last year.
At least one striker is needed, with Dion Charles, Britt Assombalonga, Joe Pigott and Stephen Humphrys among those linked.
But more strength in depth is also required behind the front men, be that in attacking midfield/No.10 and/or out on the flanks. Someone who can step into a few different positions would be most welcome, particularly as Hughton wants to work with a small squad.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Jack Clarke, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Stoke City, is one whose name has been mentioned.
At the back end of the pitch, a defensive midfielder - be it trying to get James Garner back on loan or someone of a similar ilk - will also be on the shopping list.
Then there is the defence.
A right and a left-back may well be needed, and, depending on what happens, possibly a centre-back.
Forest also currently have just two senior stoppers on the books, so looking at a third keeper shouldn’t be ruled out.
Possible outgoings
Who comes in may, in some cases, also be tied to who goes out. There will almost certainly be further departures before the window is done.
Gaetan Bong, Carl Jenkinson, Harry Arter and Fouad Bachirou have been told they are free to move on this summer - though whether new clubs are found is always a different matter.
Additionally, there are question marks over others such as Nuno Da Costa and Nicholas Ioannou, while Joao Carvalho continues to be a hot topic of debate among supporters.
Then there are youngsters such as Tyrese Fornah and Will Swan, with a decision to be made over whether another loan spell would suit them best. Hughton has previously suggested that could also be the case for Loic Mbe Soh.
The biggest sticking point, though, will be over those players who have interest from elsewhere.
Joe Worrall, Brennan Johnson and Jordan Gabriel, in particular, have all been attracting admirers. At some point, the Reds’ resolve is likely to be tested over one, two or even all three of them.
Big calls will have to be made.
Running the rule
Pre-season will give Hughton the opportunity to get a good look at a number of players before some decisions are made.
Carvalho, for instance. Can he fit into the manager’s style of play or do the club try to move him on again? Hughton hasn’t been able to cast an eye over him in person yet, so the coming weeks will be crucial for the Portuguse.
Johnson and Gabriel, too, are expected to be given their chance to stake a claim for a place.
Forest are under no illusion how important this window is. After coming under fire for their transfer business in the past, they have to get it right this year.
The hope is, the time is being taken to ensure that is the case - making sure signings are the right fit, rather than rushing into deals.
If quality additions are made and prove their worth, a slow start to the window is forgotten. If not…
There is certainly a lot riding on these next few weeks.
That the club are undergoing changes behind the scenes is also likely to be playing a part in the lack of business done.
The Reds are still pursuing targets in the meantime, but the expectation is, come July, things will start to pick up - both on and off the field.
