With the window closed and boredom setting in during the international break, cue the emergence of wild transfer rumours.
Such speculation is to be expected with little else to fill the gossip columns.
There may well be substance to some of the stories.
After all, plans for the summer are in the process of being drawn up.
Nottingham Forest are no different, with Martin O’Neill having already met with Evangelos Marinakis.
A brief outline of what is required will have been discussed by manager and owner.
Similar blueprints are being produced across the country.
Around the world, for that matter.
Questions
It therefore comes as no surprise to find that Forest have seen rumours waft in their direction.
Along with the mist, questions of Yohan Benalouane’s future have rolled in from the Trent.
It has been suggested, by FootMercato, that the Tunisia international is attracting interest from afar.
The likes of Cardiff and Leeds are being mooted as potential landing spots.
While a serious pinch of salt is required here, you can see where the speculation is coming from.
Benaloune has, over a mere matter of weeks, impressed during his time at the City Ground.
Admiration of his performances is to be expected.
He is, however, tied to an 18-month contract and offering no indication that his head is being turned.
Committed
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The 31-year-old has committed fully to the Forest cause and quickly acquired cult hero status on the back of some whole-hearted displays.
And that goal against Derby.
While donning a superhero-esque mask.
Benalouane has said in the Nottingham Post of his experience to date: “The owner is doing a lot for the club, the manager is working hard, Roy [Keane] is working hard, together we can build something really important for this club, for the future.
“For me, this is one of the best clubs in England and it deserves to be back in the Premier League. We have to make that happen.
“I am really proud to be here; I am really happy. That is why I want to grow with this team and with this club.
“Before I came here I knew the story of Nottingham Forest, but I did not properly know what these supporters were like. Now I am here and I can feel all these things; I can feel their support and I can feel what they want.”
Hardly the words of a man looking for the exit.
Foundation
He has added in the Post: “I will try to produce my best performance; I will do my best to help Forest go into the Premier League.
“I have a home in Italy, because I played there for five or six years. I’ve a house there and my son is at school there.
“But, Nottingham is very good. I love to be here.”
Love.
Not like, love.
Those said to be casting admiring glances in the direction of the City Ground should take heed of Benalouane’s words.
Forest are not seen as a stepping stone.
The Reds are the foundation on which to build his future career, so the rumour-mongers may have to turn their attention elsewhere.
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