If you stick your ears out and listen intently you can just about hear managers, agents and chief execs jabbering into their phones as one of football’s biggest dates in the dairy looms into view.
Yes, it’s the January transfer window and if the general population is already getting ready for the festive season, then it’s only natural those in the game are thinking ahead to their own Christmas market.
It never takes too long for the rumour mill to kick back into full gear, and after a tight start to the Scottish Premiership season some shrewd business in January could prove to be vital.
There is a long list of players available on pre-contracts from January onwards - both in Scotland and further afield - while some players are available now.
More than 120 stars in the Scottish top flight alone will become free agents meaning they will be free to talk to other clubs.
So, clearly, there is an abundance of talent which could depart on the cheap this summer.
Record Sport examines our top eight runners and riders who could fall into that category.
Ryan Hedges – Aberdeen
The Dons knocked back a six-figure bid from Blackburn for Hedges in the last window and it looks like the Championship side could swoop again.
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has made it clear that he wants to keep his Welsh international at Pittodrie.
The problem for the Dons is that the winger is in the final year of his contract and has indicated that he wants to consider his options.
Blackburn remain interested and are prepared to make another move in January.
Connor Goldson – Rangers
One of the biggest talking points on this list is, what is going with Goldson's contract talks at Ibrox?
The centre-back was a colossus last season as Rangers romped to the title, but this season, Goldson hasn't hit those same high heights.
Sorting his contract situation quickly, one way or another, would provide clarity for all but the signs aren’t looking good for Steven Gerrard and Co. Mind you, perhaps the same was said of Glen Kamara – only for that deal to get done.
John Souttar – Hearts
The centre-back's resurgence back into Hearts ' plans after multiple Achilles ruptures has been inspiring.
Souttar is a mainstay in the middle of Robbie Neilson's defence and it's fair to say he's back to his best.
However, his contract runs out in May and while everyone at Tynecastle will want his future clear, he's already been linked to moves to Stoke City and Blackburn in the English Championship. Hearts fans will be hoping he sticks around Gorgie way for just that little bit longer as due to those injuries, they haven‘t seen nearly as much of him as they would have liked.
Karamoko Dembele – Celtic
After Anthony Ralston's penned a new Celtic contract, Parkhead chiefs will surely be wanting to turn their attention to Karamoko Dembele next.
The hot young prospect's deal is up this summer - but he hasn't played this season due to an injury picked up in the summer.
Celtic have brought Dembele all the way through the academy and up to first-team level and there has been hype surrounding the youngster for several years - but if he doesn’t sign a new contract, he’ll leave the club without making any impact on the first-team.
Celtic supporters will be hoping he doesn’t turn into another Islam Feruz, moulded by the club – only to leave too soon and disappear off the face of Planet Football.
Benjamin Siegrist – Dundee United
The Swiss shot-stopper has been immense for the Tannadice side following their return to the Premiership last term and talk of his exit has lingered for some time.
There's been rumours of Celtic and Russia in recent rumour mills, and with a good back-up in Trevor Carson behind him in Tayside, could this summer be the time where Siegrist finally departs?
Shaun Rooney – St Johnstone
It's impossible to ignore the achievements of Rooney since moving from Inverness to Perth in 2020.
He's scored the two most important goals in St Johnstone history to seal a League Cup and Scottish Cup double.
He will be a bargain option on a free next summer if the Saints can't tie him down on a new deal.
Tony Watt – Motherwell
Watt has been immense for the Fir Park side this season, looking like he's finally back to his best.
He's currently joint top goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership after netting seven times, and a string of clubs will be itching to speak to the former Celtic star.
His performances will have him knocking on the door for a Scotland call up, and while the Steelmen will be desperate to tie him down to a deal, that may prove tricky.
Jeando Fuchs – Dundee United
Sorry Dundee United fans but another Tannadice star must be included to this list.
Fuchs is simply too good to leave out. The midfielder has really come into his own this term after arriving last season from Deportivo Alaves.
Championship club Blackpool have become the first team to be linked with a January swoop – and it's fair to say United face a fight to keep him.
