Cardiff City are entering the final five days of the transfer window with Brian Barry-Murphy still keen to strengthen his squad, despite finally addressing one of his biggest recruitment priorities.
The Bluebirds have until 11pm on Tuesday to complete their summer business, with the arrival of Krystian Bielik from West Brom providing a significant boost to Barry-Murphy's options.
The Poland international has signed after a summer-long pursuit and was brought in because of his ability to operate both at centre-back and as a holding midfielder.
Recruitment not finished
But the Cardiff manager has made it clear that Bielik's arrival does not necessarily mean the club's recruitment work is finished.
Asked whether his new signing had covered both the need for a deep-lying midfielder and a centre-back, Barry-Murphy said: "It does cover both, but I wouldn't say for certain that's the end of it."
That is the clearest indication yet that Cardiff could still pursue another defensive addition before Tuesday's deadline.
It comes against the backdrop of a summer which has been deliberately patient, with Barry-Murphy repeatedly stressing the importance of signing players the club genuinely believes in rather than simply adding bodies.
Striker and winger targets
That approach has now delivered Bielik, but there remains work to do.
Asked how keen he was to bring further players through the door, Barry-Murphy was unequivocal in his response: "Very keen!"
And while the manager admitted he had no idea how close Cardiff might be to their next signing, there is now a sense that the final few days could be considerably busier.
Cardiff are understood to be looking to add a striker and a winger, while another centre-back remains a possibility despite Bielik's ability to fill in there.
With regards to the striker addition, Yousef Salech remains Barry-Murphy's first-choice No.9 and has four in four matches so far this season, while Callum Robinson provides further experience.
But Roko Simic's departure to FC Magdeburg on loan has left Cardiff wanting another forward, with the manager having already confirmed that a striker remains on the agenda.
Loan exits expected
Cardiff are expecting a further four players to leave on loan before the window closes, with Eli King, Dakarai Mafico, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and Kion Etete all set for temporary moves.
Etete's situation is particularly interesting after the striker put himself firmly in the shop window with two goals for the under-21s against Wigan Athletic earlier this week.
Rather than dismissing those performances, Barry-Murphy highlighted them when discussing the possibility of further departures.
"We had that game at Wigan where you saw Kion score two goals, look brilliant, and Eli — all those guys had great games," he said.
"So I guess at this stage of the season you're seeing what happens off the back of that, and nothing since then has come across in my eyes."
It suggests Cardiff will be monitoring the market for Etete and the other players closely, with suitable loan opportunities potentially opening up as the deadline approaches.
For Etete, the timing could hardly be better. The 24-year-old has found opportunities and fitness difficult to come by in recent years and needs regular football to rebuild momentum. His brace against Wigan has at least ensured his name is fresh in the minds of potential suitors.
Patient approach maintained
It could be an exciting - if chaotic - end to the window for the Bluebirds. However the manager has already warned that Cardiff will not compromise on their recruitment strategy. Bielik's six-week wait is a case in point.
"We would have loved to have Krystian in six weeks ago, but it just wasn't possible," Barry-Murphy said. "It's much better than not having him here at all."
He added: "But I would rather have it that way than have somebody that we don't quite have the same belief or want here."
That philosophy means Cardiff are unlikely to simply throw bodies at the remaining gaps.
But there are now clear priorities.
A striker would give Salech genuine competition and provide greater protection against injuries, while a winger would add another dimension to an attack which currently has several players capable of operating in wide areas but lacks an obvious specialist with elite pace.
And another centre-back could yet arrive, despite Bielik's versatility, given the injury problems which have already tested Cardiff's defensive depth.
Five days remain.
The dream scenario would see Cardiff emerge from Tuesday night with three more additions, four loan exits and a squad which finally looks capable of coping with the demands of the Championship.
There is still plenty to do. But after a slow start, the transfer window could yet finish with a flourish.
