The January transfer window has slammed shut, and it's been a frustrating one for both Cardiff City and Swansea City.
Cardiff, who admittedly spent most of the window under an embargo preventing them from signing new players, ended the month with just one new arrival. Striker Sory Kaba will spend the rest of the season in the capital, having arrived on loan from Danish side Midtjylland.
Swansea, meanwhile, didn't manage to add to their squad at all, with a late loan move for Karlan Grant collapsing just after the deadline.
Both sides are still arguably in need of further strengthening, albeit for different reasons. Cardiff are in real danger of falling into League One, with Tuesday night's defeat to Luton Town stretching their winless run to 12 games. Swansea, though, are still hoping to muscle in on the top six.
The Bluebirds are still in need of a left-back, while another striker would also be welcome given their lack of goals this term. Swans too would be keen on further firepower up front following the departure of Michael Obafemi, while the injury to Steven Benda will spark questions over their goalkeeping options.
There are hundreds of free agents floating around, unattached and looking for new clubs, including several well-known names, and both clubs could yet dip into the free agent market to strengthen their ranks.
Here are just a few of the standout names.
Andre Ayew
Released by Al-Sadd, he's a name who needs little introduction to Swans fans, having spent four years at the club across two spells. The forward would surely be welcomed back to south Wales, but seems destined for the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and Everton heavily linked.
Jurgen Locadia
Recently left Iranian side Persepolis due to the ongoing civil unrest in the country, having previously enjoyed spells at Brighton & Hove Albion and PSV Eindhoven. The 29-year-old striker wasn't quite able to make his mark in the Premier League, but might just be tempted by the chance to have another crack at English football.
Tom Carroll
The midfielder spent a total of four years at Swansea over two spells before leaving in 2020. Once compared to Luka Modric, his career has sort of lost its way a little recently. Nevertheless, his quality is surely still there.
Tyler Blackett
The left-back was due to join Wigan Athletic in this window, but the sacking of Kolo Toure put the move on ice. Given they need a left-back, would Cardiff perhaps think he's worth a closer look?
Danny Rose
The former Tottenham and Newcastle United left-back has been without a club since leaving Watford in September. Would bring a wealth of experience with him, and may well fancy one last contract, even if it's on a short-term basis.
Connor Wickham
Has been linked with a move to Cardiff in the past. The striker is up for grabs after his short-term deal at Forest Green Rovers came to an end. Has had his struggles with injuries, but if he can be kept fit, the 29-year-old could be a useful acquisition in the Championship.
Danny Drinkwater
The midfielder is a Premier League winner, but since making the move to Chelsea his career has nosedived, although admittedly injuries haven't helped. The 32-year-old seems in desperate need of a fresh start.
Dale Stephens
The former Brighton midfielder has been without a club since his deal at Burnley expired last summer. He's understood to have already turned down several deals, but is keen to find a club. At 33, he'd be a highly experienced option.
Bojan Krkic
A hit with Stoke City back in the day, the former Barcelona striker is on the lookout for new employers since leaving Vissel Kobe in Japan. At 32, his best years are probably behind him, but he may feel he could still do a job in the Championship.
Kyle Lafferty
The 35-year-old striker is a free agent since leaving Kilmarnock by mutual consent. Would bring bags of experience with him, although again his peak years are surely well behind him.
Keiren Westwood
One of the few goalkeepers on this list. At 38, any deal would surely be on a short-term basis, but it would be foolish to turn noses up at his huge levels of experience at this level. Has been without a club since leaving QPR last summer. Swans clearly need a keeper at the moment, but would he be able to fit into Russell Martin's style of play? Jury's probably out on that one.
Stephen Henderson
Another goalkeeper, and as above in many ways. Has been without a club since leaving Charlton Athletic in the summer.
READ MORE:
Swansea City's January transfer window ins and outs in full as six leave and no signings made
Swansea City dealt transfer deadline day hammer blow as move for West Brom's Karlan Grant collapses
Cardiff City complete Sory Kaba loan move just before transfer deadline in late drama
Cardiff City's transfer deadline day as it happened as Bluebirds sign striker with minutes to spare
