The January transfer window is just around the corner.
However, with coronavirus biting hard at present, the landscape of the winter market has significantly changed.
Clubs are losing players due to positive tests or requirements to isolate even quicker than fixtures come around over the typically chaotic festive period.
As such, Premier League sides are no longer in a position to release youth players en masse while even fringe players at clubs could now be kept to ensure numbers remain sufficient in the event of a Covid-19 outbreak.
Nevertheless, Swansea's transfer plans are thought to be sufficient enough to ensure Russell Martin can bolster his side even if he doesn't land his prime targets.
So what would their dream window (in a realistic world) actually look like?
First and foremost, they want a goalkeeper, or, as former Wales international Iwan Roberts put it, they need a goalkeeper.
MK Dons' Andy Fisher is a target, and he could be plucked from Martin's former club for a modest sum.
That could see Steven Benda's situation change, with the German eager to play regularly. Add to that the fact the club are keen to trigger the one-year extension option in Ben Hamer's contract, and Benda finds himself in a tricky position.
Slightly further up the pitch, Liverpool hold the key to Rhys Williams' situation, although the Reds can hardly be thrilled with the amount of game time the defender has had in south Wales.
Should they recall the 20-year-old, Swansea could move to bolster their defensive options in the transfer window.
They have already been linked with Rangers man Jack Simpson, MK Dons' Harry Darling and Brighton's Haydon Roberts.
Martin was responsible for taking Darling from Cambridge United to MK Dons earlier this year and is understood to be a real admirer 22-year-old.
As for Roberts, Brighton are keen for him to be given game time and saw Swansea as an ideal fit for a loan spell given the style of play implemented by Martin, although that issue of stockpiling continues to linger.
"Without zooming into specifics, probably yes. You would have to think that way. That's a way of maybe increasing your squad or covering yourself," said Graham Potter when asked about the increased likelihood of keeping hold of players.
A decision also needs to be made on Brandon Cooper who could yet leave on loan, although the Welshman could slot in seamlessly should Swansea be reluctant to bring in a defensive recruit in the event that Williams' season-long loan deal is cut short.
Jay Fulton and Yan Dhanda are two men who could be offloaded to help reduce the wage bill which in turn would free up funds for others be brought in while Jake Bidwell - who is out of contract next summer - has attracted transfer interest.
Creative reinforcements are clearly the priority for Swansea in the upcoming window. Even sporting director Mark Allen recently admitted as much.
James McAtee is a real option, although the English attacker would almost certainly need to sign a new contract with Manchester City before being sent out on loan.
Up front, Morgan Whittaker and Liam Cullen are both wanted men. Lincoln City are hopeful of signing the former on loan while the Imps and Portsmouth have both been linked with a move for Welshman Cullen - who desperately needs regular minutes in a bid to ignite his senior career.
Swansea would not send out Cullen unless they could land a replacement, with top scorer Joel Piroe and the Dutchman's fellow summer signing Michael Obafemi being the only other options in the striker department. Keeping hold of Piroe - who has netted 12 goals already this term - is clearly vital next month.
Should they be unable to land certain targets, Swansea do of course have their own men out on loan who could be recalled, if required.
Ollie Cooper has been hugely impressive at Newport County while Jordon Garrick has been a pivotal figure for Plymouth Argyle who are gunning for promotion from League One.
Kyle Joseph has shown flashes of his capabilities at Cheltenham Town, and his versatility could be a key asset in the future for Swansea.
Should the window pan out as hoped by those in the corridors of power at the Swansea.com Stadium, Martin will be in a position to send out a few of his youth players on a temporary basis.
Dan Williams, Lincoln Mcfayden and Tivonge Rushesha are in the frame to drop down the EFL pyramid should Swansea have sufficient cover in their squad to cope with a busy New Year schedule along with the 2021/22 run-in.
But in what will almost certainly be a cagey window, Swansea remain confident that they can further mould their squad to suit what is being demanded by the current coaching staff.
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