I really don't think we'll be able to improve on Bentaleb as our 4th choice CM. He's an outstanding prospect
Baring in mind Poch likes a tight 22/25 man squad, rather than accumulating players (the squad is about 12 players net smaller than when he took over), I think we need to get into the mindset of 1 in (including academy promotions), 1 out. I think Townsend and Carroll are already baggy and will be let go without being replaced.
Therefore if we bring in a CM, it will mean letting Bentaleb go. If we bring in a WF (or promote Oduwa), it will mean letting Chadli go. Etc.
With Townsend and Carroll being the last of our slack (Fazio will need replacing, but hopefully by MV or 2CV), maintaining the zero net spend with 1 in 1 out will be tougher too.