Matt Maher: Slow going for Aston Villa and Wolves in the transfer market - but they're hardly alone
It can sometimes take years to judge the success, or otherwise, of a transfer window.
So in that regard, it would be foolish in the extreme to draw any strong conclusions from the business which has so far taken place in the current one.
That said, it is impossible not to detect some rising nerves among both Villa and Wolves supporters as it edges toward the final month.
Anyone within a few miles of Molineux on Thursday would have almost been able to hear the sigh of relief when it was confirmed the deal for Jhon Arias had gotten over the line.
Prior to then, it had not been a great week, a move for Marc Pubill having broken down at the 11th hour when it emerged the right-back would instead be joining Atletico Madrid. Plan A for replacing Nelson Semedo had suddenly disappeared out of the window.
At Villa, meanwhile, things have been very quiet. Lots of smoke, yet so far no fire surrounding Emi Martinez, Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins. To this point, back-up goalkeeper Marco Bizot has been the only senior arrival.
If there is consolation, it is the fact Villa are hardly the only club to have found it a difficult market to this point.
Everyone bar last season’s top four has experienced disappointment in some form or another. Even Manchester United, with the additions of Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha, are now struggling in their efforts to sign a recognised centre-forward. The current word around Old Trafford being it will require a sale before they can move for any of their targets.
