Gonna be cheeky (like the governor) and list more than three but with some outgoings to compensate.
PERMANENTS IN (5)
Nesta Guinness-Walker (LB, out of contract)
Callum Johnson (RB, out of contract)
Naby Sarr OR Nicky Cadden (left sided players, both out of contract)
Jack Payne (AM, out of contract)
Cole Stockton (CF, out of contract) OR Harry McKirdy (CF, fee)
DEPARTURES (3)
Albie Morgan
Alex Gilbey
Josh Davidson
LOANS IN (5)
Young winger
Young CF to come on from the bench
Young utility (mostly CM) player as cover
Experienced defender as cover
Experienced winger/AM as cover (Jonny Williams maybe?)
I think the above could genuinely challenge for promotion and is pretty much free of transfer fees.
The above would give us 21 over age outfield players. I believe this is the limit this season (down from 22 last season).
People on CL seem to think the limit is still 22. If so maybe add Louis Reed to my wishlist (in place of the young utility loan) if Tommy Twochords gets and spends a chunk of the Gomez sell-on.
We can but dream. I'd be surprised if we don't see at least two of the above coming in though.