With the transfer window set to open once more in just over a month, Kaizer Chiefs' ambitions on that front are believed to be gradually taking shape behind the scenes.
Amakhosi are sitting in eighth position on the Betway Premiership table after five matches as Nasreddine Nabi begins what is expected to be a long-term project at the club.
Although it's still far too early to cast a verdict on who needs to come and who needs to go, the Naturena-based outfit is understood to not be resting on their laurels, and word is they are already making efforts to strengthen the team.
READ | New Bucs fan-favourite: I told my club Pirates is my dream team
According to insiders, Chiefs have begun identifying positions that need strengthening, as well as made plans to re-pursue some of the targets that slipped through the cracks in the last window.
They are believed to be eyeing Stellenbosch FC midfielder Sihle Nduli for a possible move, although the Winelands-based side have proven to be stubborn sellers.
The Soweto giants saw multiple bids for left-back Fawaaz Basadien rejected, while Mamelodi Sundowns also failed to land midfielder Jayden Adams.
With Samkelo Zwane still only 22 - perhaps too young to dominate the midfield at Chiefs - and both Edson Castillo and Sibongiseni Mthethwa on the wrong side of 30, the club is actively searching the market for an experienced midfielder.
A keen interest is being shown in Azam FC midfielder Feisal Salum, who is reportedly also on the Sundowns' radar.
Chiefs may hold the advantage as Salum has played under Nabi while at Young Africans.
However, the 26-year-old is on a three-year deal and is highly unlikely to move in January.
The Glamour Boys are also looking to sign a striker as Ranga Chivaviro remains the only out-and-out number nine at the club.
Attempts to sign Khanyisa Mayo were late by mere hours in the last window, while Polokwane City shot down all approaches for Oswin Appollis, whose market value has skyrocketed in recent months and may just be out of Amakhosi's reach.
Talks with Lebo Mothiba and Luther Sigh broke down and Nasreddine Nabi has admitted to needing 'someone next to' Chivaviro.
Typically, deals are complex in January and it's often a case of 'take what you can get'. All these deals are unlikely in the January window as most clubs are generally against selling halfway through the season.
Amakhosi will have to make extraordinary efforts to land their targets in January.
ALSO READ | Mngqithi: I can tell you Magesi's starting XI
Nabi will also be looking to avoid a mistake perhaps made by previous coach Cavin Johnson, who opted against strengthening the side in the January transfer window, despite glaring deficiencies within the team already there for all to see.
In the same period, rivals Orlando Pirates signed Thabiso Lebitso and Thalente Mbatha, as well as recalled Tshegofatso Mabasa from a loan. All three players proved vital to a side that finished runners-up in the league and clinched the Nedbank Cup.
Sundowns signed Thembinkosi Lorch, who went on to contribute five goals in half a season.
Both Pirates' and Sundowns' cases highlighted the importance of a utilized January transfer window.
Chiefs' immediate attention, though, will be on their upcoming clash against Richards Bay FC next Wednesday.