This time last year we were in the same position and we're only a bit more advanced this time around. Players want to be in the Prem, therefore they are much likely to sign for a club they think will be in it for a few years or at least for the duration of their contract.
Our first season back...
Not sure they do, few clubs are happy after the window shuts. I got some insight into how players are bought and sold in the final days of the window and it can be very nefarious. I know of one transfer (a few seasons back) where a player was offered to a club, a fee agreed and the deal pulled...