Omer Riza says he is "looking forward" to his first transfer window as a manager but has not yet had any recruitment meetings with the Cardiff City hierarchy.
The Bluebirds are a point outside the Championship relegation zone ahead of Saturday's home game against league leaders Sheffield United.
Riza says he wants to be proactive in the market but is yet to discuss his plans with Cardiff's owners.
"Fans always want new signings, of course," the Cardiff boss Riza told BBC Sport Wales.
"We are always talking about players, whether it be signings or free agents, we've got a long list and a short list.
"We are scheduled to have meetings with the board, which I am sure will happen soon."
Riza says he has a clear idea as to what Cardiff, who are without a win in seven games, need to do in January.
He anticipates that there will be departures from the Welsh capital as well as new faces arriving.
"I think there will be an option of loans or permanent signings, it all depends on what the remit is after we've had a discussion and had our conversations about how we approach it," he said.
"I am looking forward to it. I want things to start moving - I don't want it to all come in a rush at the end.
"I have been preparing for a while. I have a list of players, I have been doing my homework for positions we need to strengthen. We've been looking abroad and at home.
"Once we've sat down we will know more. There will be outgoings, potentially senior outgoings and younger players as well."