With a week to go until the transfer window opens, there's a certain calm before the storm in the Championship.

Every team believes their future success hinges on who they bring in over the next month, or who they don't let go. Birmingham City will be a little different than most, their transfer business is likely to be loans and free transfers, but they'll be hopeful of a more positive transfer window than the summer one.

Back then they were operating with both hands tied behind their back, but this time out they'll have a little more room to manoeuvre as they plot a way to achieve a top half finish. They're still going to be restricted, though, as Monk revealed earlier this month.

Anything outside the bottom six would be a remarkable effort by Monk and his players, given that they weren't able to significantly add to their ranks in the summer.

Where should they be strengthening, though, and how quickly can they get the business done? FLW looks at TWO early pieces of business they should get tied up...

In terms of a loan deal, a swoop for Ben Woodburn would make a lot of sense.

He's been out of favour at Bramall Lane and likely to return to Liverpool, but he'd be almost certain to start for the Blues.

They've got big, bustling strikers just waiting to gobble up teasing crosses, which Woodburn would provide in abundance.

Routledge is another who could be available for very little as he looks for a Swansea exit.

He played for Monk at the Liberty and would bring both experience and that outlet on the flank.

If a deal could be struck he might be a shrewd acquisition.