All quiet on the cash transfer front?

English football’s financial reality could lead to a money-free transfer deadline day today.

Given a lack of fees passing between Nationwide League clubs this season, the day for traditional last-minute shopping is set to be dominated by the hunt for bargain frees and loan moves.

With so many clubs now operating a frugal existence, times of throwing cash around in an attempt to stay up or go up appear to be history.

Last year, the fourth Thursday in March saw only two deals worth six figures or more: Hermann Hreidarsson’s £800,000 (€1.2m) move from Ipswich to Charlton and Hull City’s £100,000 (€149,000) capture of striker Ben Burgess from Stockport.

“As in recent seasons it is likely that the majority of transfer activity on deadline day will be either loan moves or free transfers,” said Football League spokesman John Nagle.

“Many clubs are still in the process of re-adjusting their finances, so I doubt we will see much money changing hands.”