OPINION
The transfer window before a Premier League window can be something of a tightrope.
Obviously, there is a need for newly promoted sides to splash the cash in an attempt to bring in the extra quality need to bridge the gap between themselves and the sides already established in the top flight.
Spend too much, however, as Fulham will tell you, and you risk creating an unwieldy Frankenstein of a squad, flashy but lacking cohesion.
The message is, therefore, spend a bit but not too much. Target a few key areas, but ultimately trust in what you have at your disposal as well.
You would fancy Dean Smith to do something like that this summer.
Aston Villa were the form side in the latter stages of the Championship season, and their run to the play-offs convinced many that they are very much a Premier League side in waiting.
The right kind of investment is still key, however, and the Villans would be wise to snap up a centre-back.
Tyrone Mings has gone back to Bournemouth after a brilliant loan spell, while Axel Tuanzebe has returned to Manchester United.
And it is understood that Smith is turning his attentions to Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, as reported by The Sun.
The one cap England international has been a wonderful defensive marshal for the Seagulls since they got promoted to the top flight, and made an average of 1.2 tackles and 5.4 clearances in 36 Premier League matches last season [Whoscored].
Clearly then, the 27-year-old is a player who can cut it at the highest level, and while a move for him would not be cheap, it could prove to be a savvy investment in the long term for a side trying to reestablish themselves as a major force in the English game.