Do Nottingham Forest speculate to accumulate or play it safe?
The Reds spent big last summer, in what was a record-breaking window on Trentside.
Another opportunity to add has now presented itself.
Aitor Karanka is no longer dictating recruitment, with the baton passed to Martin O’Neill.
He wasted little time in addressing a lack of bodies at the back by landing Yohan Benalouane.
As revealed by the club’s official website, the burly centre-half arrived on an 18-month contract for an undisclosed fee.
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Forest may be keeping their cards close to their chest regarding that deal, but it is safe to assume no banks were broken to land a 31-year-old.
Minimal outlay has, therefore, been made in January.
The decision now facing O’Neill and Evangelos Marinakis is whether or not to roll the dice.
Reward
Splash the cash again and Premier League riches could be the reward.
Go too far the other way and the Reds will be left treading water.
Fortunately, there is a middle ground that Forest may find themselves meandering in.
You do not have to commit to purchasing every item that you pick up.
Try before you buy is one option.
Borrowing is another.
Loans can prove productive when finding yourself in a tight spot.
Need something or someone to see you through to the end of the season? There are plenty of places to go for help.
Forest appear to be favouring that approach.
Logic
There has been talk, sparked by Football Insider, of money being put on the table for Stoke winger James McClean.
Various other additions have been mooted, with silly season very much in full swing.
Plenty of short-term deals have also been mentioned, with there seemingly a desire to complement permanent stays with temporary ones.
That logic seems sound enough.
Forest find themselves lodged in Championship limbo and have to plan accordingly.
They cannot afford to embark on an elaborate spending spree and run the risk of getting stuck in the second tier with too many players on their books.
There is, however, ambition to be shown and an expectant fan base to appease.
Decision, decisions.
More fresh faces appear destined to be welcomed to the City Ground over the next nine days, but on what terms they arrive remains to be seen.