Russell Martin dropped the biggest hint yet that Morgan Whittaker could be the first arrival back at Swansea City this month.
Swansea haven't had the best of luck with loan deals in recent times, with Ethan Laird, Rhys Williams and most recently Fin Stevens being recalled from their respective stints in south Wales over the past year or so.
It seems now the boot might be on the other foot, with Swansea the ones considering pulling the plug on Whittaker's original season-long contract with Plymouth Argyle.
When asked if there was scope for Whittaker's loan at Home Park to be cut short, Martin said on Monday evening: "I didn't think there was but I think there probably is because the ownership group and Josh [Marsh] and Julian [Winter] have an opinion on that with Morgan. It has to be imminent because of the clause in the loan. There's been a lot of conversation about it. If he comes back, he'll be welcomed into the group.
"He has been playing at Plymouth in what is probably the most competitive position on the pitch for us, with Olivier Ntcham, Luke Cundle, Ollie Cooper, Jay Fulton, Joel Piroe when he plays there. I think it's a really tough position to get in but, if he does come back, he comes back with the mentality that he wants to fight and get in the team and we'll have to take it from there. I don't have a definitive answer for you on that."
Martin referenced it there but Whittaker has already told Swansea where his future lies - in the No.10 slot. His eye-catching form in League One has garnered plenty of attention and his loss would be a serious blow to Plymouth's title hopes at Home Park.
"I'm playing as a No 10, which I like because if I'm not getting on the ball or I'm not getting in the game, I have that licence to go and find it," he said earlier this season.
"We don't just have to stay in one position, but everyone in the team still knows their jobs and responsibilities. Everyone is contributing.
"As a No 10, you are in the game a lot more and, as a result of that, you just enjoy it more. I definitely want to play in this position in future. It's where I can get the ball the most and create things.
"I'm confident on the ball and feel I'm capable of creating things each game. Just knowing you can do that and carry it forward helps with the games coming up. It's massive."
The catch is though there is some serious competition in the hole behind the striker.
It is interesting to note Martin didn't reference Jamie Paterson in his stable of creative pivots, which is perhaps a hint of what is to come this month. Paterson, along with Michael Obafemi, could be sold before January is out.
Whittaker remains inexperienced at Championship level and despite his good form for the Pilgrims it is unlikely he will become a fix-all figure; more additions will be needed, something Martin appreciates. There is an argument to suggest the youngster should stay in the third tier all season in order to get more experience under his belt but, at present, it appears he will be returning to SA1.
Speaking on New Year's Day, Pilgrims boss Steven Schumacher was hopeful he would remain on the south coast until the campaign was over. "At the moment there isn't a plan in place to take him back," Schumacher said.
"The clause is in the contract for both ways, we'll just see how that develops.
"I don't know what the window is that they've got to bring him back, but at the moment we've got no indication to say that he's going to go back, which is great."
The goalposts have shifted, however. January is a tumultuous month and Martin knows more incomings are needed if a play-off push is to be bolstered.
"I love the players we have, they're giving us everything, but we do need a bit of help in this transfer window and I think we'll get that," Martin added. "It's just so difficult in January to tell you when, where and who. We're in a little bit of a different position now [financially compared to the summer].
"The owners see that we can be very close with the way the players play and the identity of the team. The young men are really growing. I think the owners appreciate they need a tiny bit of help. I think if we get a couple of players in they can really help the group to compete even more."
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