Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says it will be “difficult” to make any signings before the transfer window shuts.
Spurs are the only Premier League club not to make an addition to their squad and Pochettino admits any arrivals are unlikely before the 5pm deadline.
He said: “It will be difficult. It’s not over until the game is over but with four hours to go it will be difficult.”
The Argentinian refused to speak about Spurs’ pursuit of Jack Grealish, but after a £25million bid was rejected on Wednesday that deal appears dead.
Grealish is set to stay at Villa, with Tottenham not planning to make an improved offer for him ahead of today’s deadline.
The clubs have been in talks over the midfielder this summer but Spurs have failed in their attempts to take him from Villa Park.
Grealish is disappointed not to be given the option of a move to north London ahead of the deadline but will not hand in a transfer request.
Villa, meanwhile, are now planning to offer him a new contract.
Spurs’ opening offer of £3million plus Josh Onomah – who spent last season on loan at Villa Park – was well below Villa’s asking price, with the Birmingham club initially seeking over £30million.
Villa are still battling to satisfy Financial Fair Play rules and need to find £40million to comply despite securing fresh investment last month.
New executive chairman Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens bought a 55 per cent stake in the club from Tony Xia to end the threat of administration.
Boss Steve Bruce was resigned to losing Grealish – who he has an excellent relationship with – before the cash injection but Villa are now determined to hold on to their best asset.
Grealish was initially happy to stay at the club following their 1-0 Sky Bet Championship play-off final defeat to Fulham in May but as the transfer deadline approached he was interested in speaking to Tottenham.
The England Under-21s international played in Monday’s 3-1 win at Hull and has come through the youth ranks at Villa Park.