A giant Finnish international, three players with England youth credentials, not one but two potential 'new Richie Wellens' and Mr Bean -- who says the transfer window isn't exciting?

Manager Simon Grayson's hours on the phone finally paid off this week with three permanent signings and two loan deals to strengthen the squad.

The troubled midfield has been the focus of Grayson's attention, with David Fox following the same path as the aforementioned Wellens from Manchester United's reserves to Bloomfield Road.

He will be joined by his former Manchester United youth and reserve colleague, Neil Wood, who joins on an initial month-long loan from Coventry. That deal may become permanent before the transfer window ends on Monday.

Another midfielder in a different mould is Marcus Bean, promotion winner from this division with QPR a couple of seasons ago. Bean is a tough-tackling midfield man who signed on Monday. He had initially agreed a loan deal on Friday allowing him to play at the weekend but a long train journey took its toll and his only contribution at the weekend was to make the half-time draw.

Danny Warrender, who has put in some more than useful performances at right back, signed a permanent deal on Monday after his loan spell from Manchester City expired.

Lastly, mammoth striker Njazi Kuqi, signed on a month's loan from Birmingham City. The Finnish international is the brother of Blackburn's former Stockport and Ipswich striker, Shefki Kuqi, who made his name in the north west with Stockport County.

But there were setbacks as well. The Seasiders pulled out of a deal for experienced striker Mark Rivers after Grayson decided not to sign the player even though terms had been agreed.

A final loan deal, for Sunderland's England youth man Sean Taylor, was concluded on Tuesday afternoon.