Buying players outside the window

I read the thread on here suggesting that a number of clubs are lining up bids for Conor in the January window. Nobody here wants that to happen, but my question is this: Can we and should we be recruiting a replacement now in preparation for this possibility?
I appreciate that we can't play a newcomer before January, but didn't we sign Yiadom outside the window?
I suspect that Moncur was lined up for the job, but I'm wondering about his temperament and his team spirit when he opts out the first few times he doesn't get picked. Can you see a side without Conor in it?

 

There will already be countless players on endless lists mate. We're constantly looking at players regardless of outgoings of the club