“I’m pleased with the players we have in but we still need more to get the squad at a position where we can be competitive in this division,” said Adkins, whose City side host Newcastle United at the KCOM Stadium this evening.
“From my point of view, you want to have your team in place at the start of pre-season. Definitely before the start of the season.
“I’ve no issues with the transfer window coming forward. A lot of deals are done in the last few days so, potentially, after we play Villa, a lot of activity will go on.
"Then the loan window opens for the rest of the month. That is where you will get the knock-on effect of players who have not gone somewhere. Maybe Brandon Barker, who we’ve mentioned before.
“They have to find homes as well. There has been a hold-up but in recent years the majority of deals are done in the last few days of the window. That won’t change.”