Leicester City “have to face reality” over their transfer capabilities as the January transfer window enters its final fortnight, manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has said.

City have made one signing in the first three weeks of the winter market, bringing in right-back Woyo Coulibaly from Parma. It’s proof, van Nistelrooy says, that City are sticking to their promise of supporting him in strengthening their squad.

But financial constraints are slowing City’s business. Coulibaly only cost around £3m, a sign of the market City are operating in, while the sale of striker Tom Cannon is needed this week to boost their budget.

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All of the teams at the bottom are hoping to be busy as they look to boost their survival hopes. Wolves have signed £16.6m centre-back Emmanuel Agbadou, while Ipswich have brought in defender Ben Godfrey on loan and have spent £20m on winger Jaden Philogene. At Southampton, a third signing is on the way in the form of a one-time City target.

Having already brought in Brazilian left-back Welington and young central defender Joachim Kayi Sanda, the Saints are now set to sign attacking midfielder Albert Gronbaek on loan from Rennes. This time last year, when Gronbaek was the star performer for Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, City were linked with interest. Now he’ll be helping their rivals try to beat them to survival.

A centre-back, a winger, and possibly a striker will be on City’s radar over the final fortnight of the window. Van Nistelrooy remains hopeful the club can deliver but continues to reiterate the constraints they are working under.

Asked if the support promised in his job interview was still there from the club, the Dutchman said: “Yeah, because we welcomed a new player in a position that we needed. We only have one right-back in the squad and he has to play everything. That’s a good start. We continue to look for the players to strengthen the squad within the possibilities.

“Of course, you look for as many (as you can). We have to face reality and do it within the possibilities. We’re trying very hard to do so.”

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