And there could even be a late swoop for long-time target Robbie Blake.
Blake, who Latics tried to buy last December, is unsettled at Leeds after just a couple of months at Elland Road.
No trading is permitted after tonight's cut-off point until January 1, meaning it's a case of making do with what you've got for the next four months.
It's up front where manager Paul Jewell is desperate to strengthen.
Latics have scoured both the domestic and foreign transfer markets in a bid to do that, expressing interest in dozens of strikers.
That search included an audacious bid to land Newcastle-bound Michael Owen and a £450,000 offer for Bradford's Dean Windass.
Republic of Ireland ace Connolly is well-travelled and is a player Jewell and his staff have run the rule over in the early weeks of the season.
The 28-year-old's career has so far seen him play for Watford, Feyenoord, Wolves (on loan), Wimbledon, West Ham and, latterly, Leicester.
He's scored 87 goals in 195 league starts in that time, his best ratio being 42 in 63 games at Wimbledon between 2001 and 2003.
At international level, he's netted nine goals in 40 appearances for the Irish.
The Foxes rate him highly, and are believed to be asking big money for him, possibly as much as £2.5m.
But with time running out, Latics could find themselves paying out that kind of cash to ensure they have the strength in depth.
Jewell's main target in recent weeks – in fact throughout the summer – has been Fatih Tekke at Turkish club Trabzonspor.
Bids of up to £5m have gone in for the Turkey international, but the Black Sea-based club are determined to keep hold of him.
There is now simply not the time to wrap up a deal for Tekke with international clearance needed, and the interest will have to be put on hold until the January window.
It's a similar position with the other potential targets watched by Latics recently – Jewell flew to France on Sunday to watch Monaco's game with Lens while scouts have been at games all over Europe.
At the moment, Jason Roberts and Henri Camara are the only senior strikers on the books, although Lee McCulloch can play in attack.
Camara is currently recovering from a hamstring strain sustained on international duty and it's hoped he will be fit for the visit to West Brom on September.
At the Hawthorns that day Latics will be facing former striker Nathan Ellington, his sale to the Baggies earlier this month the reason why a new frontman is desperately needed.
As well as looking to strengthen the strikeforce, Jewell hasn't ruled out bolstering other areas.
He'd like another centre-half, with Emerson Thome still out with a torn hamstring, and a wide player.
But for now, it seems all the efforts will be centred on a striker.
In the other direction, it's unlikely anyone will be leaving the JJB Stadium before the deadline.
Jewell has already unloaded the players in the squad unlikely to figure much, with David Graham moving to Sheffield Wednesday and Nicky Eaden and Ian Breckin to Nottingham Forest.
There's reported interest in David Wright from his former club Crewe, the full-back having turned up at Gresty Road on Monday to watch Dario Gradi's side play Sheffield United.
But his versatility could be important over the coming months, with him able to play right across the back four.
So far Wright has been in the squad just once this season, as an unused substitute at Charlton.