With the summer transfer window shut since the start of September, Getafe can only sign players who are not under contract with any club, as they are free to join at any time. That is the market the sporting management have begun to explore, with an eye on a three-week international break that arrives straight after the win over Málaga (1-0).

The diagnosis comes from the dugout. Bordalás believes the squad is too thin to cope with LaLiga and the Conference League at the same time, and after the Málaga match he again pointed to the lack of specialists: "I have to use players in positions that aren't theirs, strikers playing as wingers."

The profile being sought is that of an experienced player who knows LaLiga, is in good physical shape despite being without a club and is willing to accept a squad-rotation role at first. The needs are concentrated in central midfield and on the flanks, a position in which the squad has hardly any natural wingers.

The search follows a start to the season marked by fatigue. The team have suffered a steady stream of injuries, suspensions and muscle overloads, and have had three players sent off in the first seven league rounds.

Any deal will depend on the club's wage margin and on the financial demands of the players available, many of which are beyond Getafe's reach.

The club has not officially confirmed any approach and no candidate's name has emerged.