Sorenson, Mellberg, Bouma, Laurson, Petrov, Angel, Baros - all 'decent' foreign players we have signed. Ok some came from British clubs, others didnt, they still brought there skills and experience to us. Yes only one of these was signed by the current manager but he hasnt had much time to do anything about that really. Rest assured that MON will be scouting abroad, if we sign anyone is a different matter but he'll defiantly be looking as it would be stupid not to, given the pool of players.
IMO i cant see why theres any need to panic just yet. If you look at previous transfer windows then its obvious most clubs (with the exception on Utd) not just Villa, leave transfers to the last week or so, its part of the bargaining process. Thinking back to the August window i'm sure the likes of Cole, Gallas, Huth, Woodgate, Tevez and his mate, Malbranque, Graveson, Petrov, Anelka and Martins were all transferred in the last 10 odd days.
If still nobody in by Feb 1st, then questions will need to be asked. But im sure MON and the board will get there man, and pay the big prices if need be.