As the January transfer window lurches towards its finale, one seasoned football agent put it this way: 'There has been a lot of talking but not a lot of doing. If it wasn't for Newcastle United, it would be a damp squib.'
As ever, it arrived with hype and expectation but, with Covid, injuries, a lack of cash and the Africa Cup of Nations to consider, the reality is big business has been sporadic.
Title-chasing Manchester City and Liverpool are reluctant to make moves unless injuries kick in or a bargain arises, such as River Plate's Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez in City's case.
A lot of eyes are on Newcastle United to see if they will add to their squad again this month
The glamour comes as Juventus and Barcelona look to flood the English market with cast-offs, desperate to shed bloated salaries. Aston Villa took advantage with Philippe Coutinho and could add Juve's Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. Aaron Ramsey is hopeful of a new home, too.
Indeed, the usual late flurry of silly offers and loans is still expected as desperation bites. Tottenham have moved for Porto's Luis Diaz, Arsenal want a striker, Newcastle a new defence.
West Ham boss David Moyes said: 'We are trying but we want players who can take us beyond the top six. That type of quality isn't readily available this month unless you are reckless with cash and what good does that do to your club or dressing room?'
Caution was the watchword last January when Covid and Brexit caused the quietest window in nine years with just £70million spent by Premier League clubs.
Yet Newcastle will have to gamble close to that amount in a week to kickstart their new era and stave off relegation.
Here Sportsmail takes you through what your club is after...
Philippe Coutinho has made an instant impact at Aston Villa since joining from Barcelona
Mikel Arteta is desperate for a new striker. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang discarded, Arteta wants a No 9 adept at dropping deep. Dream ticket Dusan Vlahovic is joining Juventus, Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak is expensive and Real Madrid's Luka Jovic does not fit the profile. New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner and Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo want to come if deals can be agreed. Newcastle targets Bernd Leno, Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny could depart. Striker Tyreece John-Jules has joined Sheffield Wednesday.
Alexander Isak is on Arsenal's radar but Real Sociedad's asking price for the striker is too much
Arthur Melo is still keen to join Arsenal on loan but a deal is yet to be agreed for it to happen
Bentancur is in their sights after a £25m offer for Brighton's Yves Bissouma was rejected. Marseille's Boubacar Kamara and Glen Kamara of Rangers are back-up options. A centre back is wanted on loan but Liverpool's Joe Gomez is a non-starter. Doncaster are keen to take striker Louie Barry on loan and Swindon want forward Brad Young.
Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is an Aston Villa target as they look to strengthen
Christian Eriksen will sign if he can pass his medical. A £15m bid has gone in for Brennan Johnson but Nottingham Forest want £18m for the winger. Hull City's left winger Keane Lewis-Potter and midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk are options, as are wing backs Djed Spence of Middlesbrough - on loan at Forest - and Bologna's Scottish prospect Aaron Hickey.
Christian Eriksen is nearing a return to football - providing he can pass a medical at Brentford
Newcastle want defender Dan Burn and midfielder Bissouma but Brighton will not sell unless for large fees. A £6m bid is
