Chris Hughton has been very clear from the start. This month would see only minor tweaks to his Nottingham Forest squad.
With less than a week to go, it looks very much like he will be true to his word.
Whether that proves to be enough remains to be seen. The Reds are still in a precarious position in the Championship table, and the manager still has plenty of issues to address.
The addition of Filip Krovinovic should help. The Benfica loanee’s versatility makes him particularly useful, especially at a time when injuries are mounting up in midfield.
But Forest desperately still need strengthening further.
Cutting numbers was near the top of Hughton’s to-do list, and work has been done on that - with Nicholas Ioannou, Tendayi Darikwa and Zach Clough having departed.
But the manager is well aware Forest have to start scoring more goals; they have to start creating more chances. And they need additional help to do that.
That will be the focus between now and Monday’s 11pm deadline. That is the priority. Bolstering his attacking resources has always been Hughton’s aim for this window.
Krovinovic can provide options in different positions.
He can play in a deeper role or further up the pitch, but as an attack-minded player will be aiming to get Forest on the front foot whichever role he takes up.
The Reds still need another attacker, though - someone who can play on the wing or a number 10 would be ideal; someone who can weigh in with goals and set them up for others.
Hughton’s side remain too goal-shy.
They have attacking players who have been out of form and/or lacking consistency. It’s a big reason why they are struggling in the table.
It doesn’t matter who plays up front at the minute, there is a lack of service; the strikers are too isolated.
Bringing in someone who can provide a spark is a must.
The manager has stressed it must be the right player, that numbers cannot be brought in simply for the sake of it.
There won’t be a glut of additions between now and when the window closes. But with recruitment in the spotlight, Hughton must hope there is another tweak or two to be made yet.
