While most of us are still waiting in anticipation for the transfer merry-go-round to start rolling into action, there are several less sexy, headline-grabbing deals which have already been processed. And, while people may not be mentioning these names during the summer of 2008, in 12 months' time we may be singing a different tune.

Carlos Villanueva (Blackburn): Paul Ince has made his first foray into the transfer market with what appears to be a very shrewd signing, picking up a young, raw talent on the cheap who they hope will make a huge splash in England. Villanueva is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who came to the fore after four seasons with unfashionable Audax Italiano in Chile. Propects look good for Villanueva, who was named Player of the Year last season in Chile.

On his international debut against Ecuador in the Copa America, Villanueva became an instant hero, scoring a dramatic 87th-minute winner with a sublime free-kick. This was by no means a fluke. The playmaker went on to score a total of 50 goals in 125 games for Audax, and it is not just the quantity of goals which is astounding, but the quality too.

Villanueva looks like he has the full armoury of attacking talents. He has shown the winning mentality of boldly giving up being the big fish in the small pond to take on the challenge of making it in the Premier League. With his silky left foot he looks like he can be a star, able to pick up the ball in midfield, run at the defence, make penetrative passes and also score goals. Plus he is a dead-ball specialist.

Amr Zaki (Wigan): Has Steve Bruce pulled off the signing of the summer without anyone even batting an eyelid? For some players it's simple to pinpoint the moment they came of age. This rings true for Zaki, whose moment arrived back in 2006 during the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations in Egypt. Zaki came off the bench to score an 80th-minute winning header against Senegal and send the Pharaohs wild. Egypt went on to win the tournament.

To date, Zaki has an incredible record of 27 goals in 48 matches for his country. He is an out-and-out goalscorer, the ideal foil for Emile Heskey who has always played at his best when able to link up with a direct, nippy forward. Yes, it may take time for Zaki to find his feet in England, but when he finally does acclimatise, Latics may find themselves with one of the most potent finishers in the league. As Steve Bruce was quick to point out: "According to FIFA statistics, Zaki is rated No 1 in the world.”