Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew always expected a tough summer market.
Pardew admits that he was always braced for a tricky transfer window - and start to the season.
He said: "I don't think that anybody would disagree that we have had a tough start away to Man City.
"I did think this window would be difficult - with Ben Arfa, Cabaye or Colo or somebody being interested in one of our players. Nothing has really surprised me.
"Having said that I will be very happy when the window shuts on Monday. Hopefully Cabaye is still here and that we've added one or two additions on the offensive front.
"Defensively we look good.
"Offensively we need a couple more options."
