I wouldn't mind us setting up like this if we signed him...
...................Howard...................
Coleman...Jags...Distin...Baines
......................Nev......................
Barton...Osman...Fellaini...Arteta
.....................Saha.....................
Pretty solid team with some quality back-up e.g. Cahill, Heit, Bily, Yak, etc...
In this case I don't think lack of natural width would effect us too much as we know baines/coleman can bomb past the winger and put a cross in and we'd hope barton/arteta would help back when this happens.
If we could then shift Yobo/Yak then we could probably focus on getting that striker we're also crying out for (when saha's unfit!)
Hopefully Donovan will re-join on loan in Jan too - I'd obviously ask for more but if we could get Barton and a striker this window (only losing yak/yobo) and add to that Donovan in Jan - again not selling anyone (unless Bily bid came in - would need replacing) - then I'd be quite confident with our squad this season with a little luck with injuries.