Transfer deadline day 2019: full recap as Michy Batshuayi's Crystal Palace loan deal goes down to the wire

Michy Batshuayi of Valencia
'Michy Batshuayi to Crystal Palace on loan' was the late-breaking move Credit: Getty Images

 

The January transfer window has closed, but the late news of note was looking likely to be the move of Michy Batshuayi to Crystal Palace on loan.

As the window shut at 11pm, the Chelsea player, who has been on loan at Valencia, looked poised to join the Selhurst Park club. The paperwork has gone in but official confirmation is pending and an extension was given.

Tottenham had been interested but Chelsea opted not to do business with a rival. It was one of a series of blanks for Spurs on a day in which they achieved the dubious honour of being the first club to go through consecutive Premier League transfer windows without a signing.

Spurs fans watched as Arsenal secured the services of Denis Suarez, an exciting midfield playmaker, on loan from Barcelona.

However, Spurs were not alone among the top six in having a distinctly quiet window and deadline day. None of the big teams made a signing of note on deadline day.

It was reported that Manchester United had agreed a fee for Marouane Fellaini with a Chinese club, and Anthony Martial signed a new deal.

Chelsea sent Brazilian forward Lucas Piazon for his sixth (!) loan spell away from Stamford Bridge. The player now takes his massive portfolio of Airmiles to Serie A strugglers Chievo.

There were deals a little further down the Premier League pecking order. Newcastle broke their transfer record for Miguel Almiron, who arrives from MLS.

There was an eye-catching loan move into Leicester when former Monaco manager Claude Puel snapped up the talented but out-of-favour Youri Tielemans from the troubled French aristocrats.

Cardiff City signed versatile midfielder Leandro Bacuna from Reading.

Wolves made Johnny Otto's loan move a permanent deal, swelling Atletico Madrid's coffers by £15million.

PSG tested Everton's resolve to hang on to Idrissa Gueye but found that £26.1 million was not enough to get them to play ball. However,  Yannick Bolasie was allowed to leave Goodison for Anderlecht on loan.

And one of British football's most popular figures, Peter Crouch, was handed the chance for another tilt at the Premier League by Burnley.

                                                                                                    

That will do it for our blog

Thanks for following, tons of transfer stories around on the website.

Yannick Bolasie

has moved to Anderlecht on loan at the 11th hour.

Paperwork in for Batshuayi

but deal not done yet.

Transfer window...

IS CLOSED!!!

Does this cheer you

Spurs fans?

Derby sign Andy King on loan

from Leicester.

Patrick reckons it is on!

Michy Batshuayi, that is.

possible late one

Inadequate window for Fulham?

Nordtveit is Fulham's second signing: they picked up ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Babel earlier in the month. Nothing wrong with that per se  but is that enough to help them fight relegation?

We are hearing that

the Idrissa Gueye to Paris SG thing is not at all likely to come off.

From Crouchy, via PA

Peter Crouch says he is still hungry for goals following his surprise deadline-day return to the Premier League with Burnley.

The 38-year-old former England striker has agreed a short-term deal with the Clarets after Stoke agreed a deal that also sees Wales forward Sam Vokes move in the opposite direction.

Crouch, whose previous clubs include Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa, has scored 108 goals in 462 top-flight games throughout his career and is keen to add to the tally.

"I still want to achieve things," Crouch told Burnley's website. "I want to get more games in the Premier League and I would love to add to the 100 Premier League goals. I feel like the older I get, the more hungry I get."

Shinji's Turkish sort of delight

German side Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that midfielder Shinji Kagawa has been loaned to Turkish team Besiktas until the end of the season.

Pieters and loan 

Stoke City have loaned their Dutch left back Erik Pieters to French side Amiens for the rest of the season. The 30-year-old has made 23 appearances for second-tier Stoke this season, scoring twice.

Few more bits and bobs

Fulham have signed Norway international Havard Nordtveit on loan from Germany's Hoffenheim until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, who can play either at centre back or in midfield, spent one season at West Ham United, making 21 appearances in all competitions.

A tremendous achievement by Spurs

They become the first team not to make a signing in back-to-back Premier League windows. Well, 44 minutes and counting. The last person to put his John Hancock on a contract with the North London outfit being Lucas Moura in January 2018.

Big news

Not really. But I'm interested.

Vincent Janssen update

Not really sure where that leaves Janssen, 24. He's not registered for Champions League football, nor for Premier League football. He's scored a boat-load for the Tottingham Under-23s. Shame to see a talent withering on the vine.

Fulham sign Havard Nordtveit on loan

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Liverpool news from Chris Bascombe

Liverpool hope to offload winger Lazar Markovic and were awaiting bids last night.

Markovic, signed in the summer of 2014, was told he has no prospect of playing for the club again and would spend the remainder of his Liverpool career training away from the senior squad at the youth academy if he could not finalise a transfer.

Michy Batshuayi to Palace!

Well, sounds like he was going somewhere today by hook or by crook. And the answer seems to be Crystal Palace. On loan.

Jason!

And meanwhile...

PSG have raised their bid for Idrissa Gueye

£26.1million now on the table. Will Everton play ball?

Bony lad

Eine Kleine Transferrounduppschen

I won't detain you too long with das ins und das outs of the Bundesliga's transfer situation but I think quite noteworthy that some very talented young British players are clearly figuring that they have more chance getting a crack in Germany than at home. Following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho....

  1. 18-year-old Emile Smith-Rowe joins Leipzig on loan for the rest of the season. Leipzig had been pushing for an option to make the attacking midfielder's loan permanent but Arsenal refused.
  2. Augsburg have signed 20-year-old defender Reece Oxford on loan from West Ham for the rest of the season. The English defender has Bundesliga experience already after loan stints at Borussia Moenchengladbach last season. Oxford failed to make any Premier League appearances on his return to West Ham this season.
  3. Schalke signed young Wales winger Rabbi Matondo from Man City. Kicker magazine reported that Schalke was paying 9 million euros ($10.3 million) for Matondo and that City secured an option to buy him back for a fee of 50 million euros ($57.1 million).

This is what it's all about

Credit: Sky

Suarez (not that one) and Arsenal

As previously mentioned,

Arsenal have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Barcelona playmaker Denis Suarez on loan for the rest of the season.

The Spain international, 25, played for Gunners manager Unai Emery in the 2014-15 season at Sevilla when they won the Europa League.

Denis Suarez: Who is he, what can he do and what will he bring to Arsenal?

Barcelona news from news wires

Barcelona have signed Brazilian fullback Emerson from Atletico Mineiro for 12 million euros ($14 million).

Emerson has penned a five-year contract with the Catalan club, through to 2024.

The 20-year-old Emerson has played at a number of different youth levels for Brazil, and is currently at the South American Under-20 Championship in Chile.

Emerson has been likened to former Barcelona defender Dani Alves and the club says he is a "typical Brazilian wing back who likes to go forward and support the attack."

Barcelona adds that he is "just the kind of player who should slot nicely into the Barca scheme of things."

Hopefully a bit less of a so-and-so than Dani Alves.

Quiet in Italy eh?

None of the top five clubs in Serie A - Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma - made any moves on the final day of the January transfer market.

The most significant signing was Brazilian winger Romulo joining Lazio on loan from Genoa with the option to buy.

Great name for a player moving to Rome! Hopefully he has a cousin called Reemio...

How a football transfer is done

Not directly related to TDD of course but this is a fascinating and revealing story about the world of agents and transfers.

Agent's email reveals how Emiliano Sala was persuaded to sign for Cardiff

Youri Tielemans joins Leicester on loan

Chance to get out of what must be rather a grim atmosphere at Monaco.  Leonardo Jardim - Thierry Henry's predecessor - didn't fancy the lad Tielemans by all accounts and there was a situation. Once Henry took over the player presumably thought that things might pick up, but now that Jardim is back to clean up the mess left by Henry's departure, sounds like Jardim has made getting the Belgian midfielder ootay there his first order of business.

Adrien Silva is going the other way.

Leicester City unveil new loan signing Youri Tielemans Credit: Leicester City FC via Getty Images

 Anyway, enough of my rabbit: let us get the straight dope from John Percy.

Leicester City confirm Youri Tielemans loan signing

The Loan Ranger

from the AP: Chelsea have sent winger Lucas Piazon on loan to Serie A struggler Chievo Verona, with the Italian club having the option to buy him at the end of the season.

It is a sixth loan move for Piazon since he joined Chelsea in 2012, having had spells with Malaga, Vitesse, Eintracht Frankfurt, Reading and Fulham.

Piazon, who turned 25 earlier this month, has an Italian passport.

Chievo are bottom of the Serie A standings, nine points from safety.

Crouchy's eating his Lancashire hot pot

Peter Crouch joins Burnley to seal Premier League return at age of 38

The splendid Mr John Percy has the lowdown on the most heartwarming story of the day.

He stoops to conquer: Peter Crouch joins Burnley Credit: Daily Telegraph

Annoying news

for fans of the world's greatest football club

A Seagull lands

Albeit briefly.

and then immediately loaned him back to Maribor Stork Nightmare for the rest of the season.

Matt Law with some London news

And that also means Sam Vokes

will join Stoke City. 29, he is a Welsh international with 60-odd caps, and Sky man reckons seven million might have been the tune.

Burnley Crouch news

He has joined the club to the end of the season. He will wear 15 at Turf Moor. There's a cute video of him and a robot. 38! 38-years-old.

Otto

Squad number goals: Wolverhampton Wanderers Complete the Permanent Signing of Jonny Castro Otto Credit: Getty Images Europe

Peter Crouch has signed for Burnley

Yes! The Premier League needs Peter. Peter deserves to be in the Premier League. Well done Burnley.

yes Peter Credit: Getty Images Europe 

Whatever happened to 

transfer deadline reporters being savaged by packs of ratboys and having rubber winkies shoved in their ears?

Here's Luke Edwards in tellyland.

Come back, Efe

Emile Smith Row news

from Sam Dean: "Emile Smith Rowe's loan move to RB Leipzig has been confirmed. The German side do not have an option to buy as Arsenal very much see the 18-year-old as part of their plans for the future. 

Smith Rowe will hope to replicate the success of Addemola Lookman at Leipzig. The Everton winger scored five goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances in Germany last season."

Luke Edwards on Newcastle

Luke says that it is probably all quiet on the north eastern front this evening. Obviously we had the big signing earlier of Miguel Almiron.

"The Magpies' attempts to persuade West Bromwich Albion to extend the loan deal of Salomon Rondon into next season have failed and they will have to reopen negotiations to sign the striker in the summer," says Luke.

It's an improbable Curacao TDD double

I mentioned earlier about a rare sighting of a Curacao footballer, with the news of Bacuna. And now here is another! Like buses innit.

From Chris Bascombe:

Cuco Martina has walked through a Goodison Park revolving door, returning from a loan spell at Stoke and immediately leaving the premises to head to Holland.

Martina, who has  38 caps for Curaçao, has joined Dutch club Feyenoord on loan for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

Martina has played 18 matches for Stoke this season. Feyenoord are currently third in Holland’s Eredivisie.

Liddykid

Kilmarnock have signed 19-year-old Canada international Liam Millar on loan from Liverpool.

The forward has four international caps and was Liverpool Academy's top scorer last season with 19 goals. He is a regular with the under-23 team and signed a new long-term Anfield deal before moving to Rugby Park.

Killie midfielder Dom Thomas has extended his loan deal with Dumbarton for the rest of the season.

A chance to play in the greatest badge in British football: the two squirrels rampant.

Let's meet Newcastle's new boy

Martial Law Contract

This is really good.

There's action at Old Trafford

Or Carrrington, whatever. Anthony Martial has signed a new five-year deal, and Big Marouane Fellaini may be on his way out of United.

As Marouane Fellaini edged closer to his Old Trafford exit, Manchester United confirmed a new five year contract for Anthony Martial.

Our man Chris Bascombe has the skinny on that here.

Reece Oxford

He was the future once, was he not? A young Hammers defender? Centre half, classy on the ball, The New Rio Ferdinand &c &c?

Well, anyway, he has joined  FC Augsburg on loan. Good luck, Reece. Still only 20.

Ah yes, here it is from wiki: "Oxford made his debut for West Ham aged 16 years and 198 days, making him the club's youngest ever player, beating a record of 16 years and 221 days set in 1922 by Billy Williams."

Transfer Tracker

I am honestly not just saying this. That wee transfer tracker thing above there is really cool. Lots of info, snazzy design. Check it oot.

Leandro Bacuna

Here's the lowdown on the lad.

Cardiff have signed Curacao international Leandro Bacuna from Reading on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The deal, subject to international clearance, is expected to cost Cardiff around £3million.

Bacuna, 27, can play at right-back or in midfield and Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock has said that he was hoping to strengthen both of those areas during the January transfer window.

"A few weeks ago, I was made aware of some interest and it has all gone from there," Bacuna told the official Cardiff website.

"I'm very happy and looking forward to getting started. Every game I play I give 100 per cent, and I'll be fighting hard to help our team.

"I've played against the manager and you can see he always wants to win. He is so passionate.

"It's going to be great to work underneath him and hopefully he will push me on as a player."

Bacuna made over 130 appearances for Aston Villa after joining them from Dutch club Groningen in 2013.

He moved on to Reading in August 2017 and had made 66 appearances for the Royals.

Cardiff are currently in the Premier League relegation zone four points from safety.

That's from the Press Association and is all well and good obviously. But how about this?

ME: He's got to be the only Curaçaoan in the Premier League, surely.

MY SPORTS DESK COLLEAGUE ALI TWEEDALE, AN INTELLECTUAL: Actually no. There was Cuco Martina, who scored against Arsenal.

ME: *in awe*

ALI: *drops mic* (it was actually a pencil but still)

Tom Huddlestone is 

said to be in talks with Udinese. That's a random one.

Otto

"Footy tool" seems a strange choice of name for your twitter wotsit but does at least explain Otto's shirt number.

Newcastle Dolphin Boy

An Everton Exit

Albeit not a permanent one. Over to you, Merseyside expert, Chris Bascombe:

Bolasie moving to Anderlecht for rest of the season. That’s some extra money off the wage bill at Goodison.

Denis

Denis Suarez has signed for Arsenal Credit: REUTERS

Scott Brown has signed a new deal with Celtic

Big news for Celtic fans. But great news? I am not sure. I reckon Scott, wonderful player though he has been, has run his race. John McGinn had him on toast last time I watched Hibs play Celtic and I would have thought that the time was right for McGinn to assume that midfield general role at Celtic.

Still, just because they have extended Brown's deal that is no reason not to sign another player, obviously. But does rather suggest they won't.

Sky have a jolly German gent

in Munich.

Credit: Sky

he's bought in to the yellow thing. I think we're all over that now, mein freunde.

Credit: Sky

WBA news

Here's our Midlands maven John Percy, and he has news about the lad Murphy

Newcastle's £12m winger Jacob Murphy is poised to join West Brom on loan.

Murphy, 23, is due for a medical at West Brom's training ground in the next hour after deciding to drop down a division in a bid to play regular football.

Bacuna Matata

It's devastating news for our in-house Reading FC fan Ben Coles. He says friend Bacuna is "our only player who is worth any money" and they've let him leave for a song.

Feeling among the Reading fans seems to be that Bacuna is heading to the Premier League, and the club is heading for League One.

Jacob Murphy's move

to West Brom from Newcastle appears set fair. It's being reported that the Baggies are "finalising the deal".

Yes readers! It's Sam Dean

What does our superb Arsenal expert have for us, Gooner fans? Sam, take it away:

Arsenal's potential loan move for PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku is pretty much dead in the water. Will need a dramatic and sudden turnaround for anything to happen tonight. 

Was always going to be tricky to make it work in terms of loan fee and a possible option to buy at the end of the season.

Oh. Not what we were hoping for but let's not shoot the messenger.

Otto signs for Wolves

Sorry, not that Otto. This is Jonny Otto. Jonny, I'm sorry.

He's made his loan move to the Molineux outfit a permanent ting. Well done Jonny. 

Wolverhampton have completed the permanent signing of defender Jonny Otto from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day.

The 24-year-old Otto has made 22 appearances on loan in the first half of the season for Wolves. Now a permanent deal has been signed at the Premier League club until 2023 with Britain's Press Association saying a club-record 18 million pounds ($24 million) was paid to Atletico.

Afternoon!

Tyers, eager to bring you news of transfers, loans, rumours and more. Have YOU got a transfer rumour? Perhaps you've seen Lionel Messi at Gatwick, asking for directions to Crystal Palace? Or maybe your cousin knows a guy who has seen Ronaldo's manicurist in the Ladbrokes at Easter Road and you're pretty sure that he is to join rudderless Hibs. If so, don't be shy, stick it in the comments at the bottom of the page and we'll investigate.

PSG have no hope of signing Everton's Gueye

Our chief football correspondent Jason Burt with the update coming out of Paris: 

Paris Saint-Germain have given up hope of signing Idrissa Gana Gueye despite the midfielder submitting a formal transfer request.

Everton have steadfastly refused to budge in their stance that Gueye is not for sale during this window and rejected bids of £21.5million and an improved offer of £26.2million for the 29-year-old.

Gueye was desperate to secure the move but Everton have held firm despite pressure from PSG who are keen to add a defensive midfielder before they face Manchester United in the Champions League. They are now considering other options having believed, at one stage, that they would sign Gueye.

It is also understood that PSG did not make an offer for Willian. There were claims that they had expressed interest in the 30-year-old Chelsea attacking player but the French champions deny that this was the case.

PSG are expected to sign Luciano Acosta from MLS club DC United for around £7.9million. The 24-year-old Argentinean attacking midfielder will add to their squad which has been stretched by injury.

Crouchy is on his way back up

 Sean Dyche confirms that Peter Crouch is on the verge of signing a deal at Burnley. Dyche says it will be a short-term contract until the summer. 

Almiron and a Premier League dream

As one of the biggest signings of the day, we know you want to hear more about Almiron's arrival at Newcastle. 

Luke Edwards has thrown it back to 2005 film Goal!  to give you some more context on the Atlanta United arrival's background:  Miguel Almiron's Newcastle move is like a film plot but he will have to write his own scripts.

In case you need reminding, it's a tale of arriving from America for the Geordie Dream.

Steve Bruce hints at some late activity at Sheffield Wednesday

The new Wednesday manager could be set for a busy first day...

Latest on Charlie Austin

Sam Wallace with an update from Southampton:

Southampton have stuck to their insistence that Charlie Austin only be permitted to move on a permanent deal this window which has meant the striker has been too expensive at this stage of the season for a number of clubs who wanted him on loan.

The 29-year-old was told by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl that he could leave in January having started just two games since the Austrian took over at the club. Wolverhampton Wanderers had enquired about the player and there was strong interest from Stoke City until they opted for the cheaper option of Sam Vokes. It was Austin’s preference to stay in the Premier League. Crystal Palace and Cardiff City also looked at the striker who has a contract at Saints until the summer of 2020.

Southampton would not entertain a loan deal and Austin will now stay and attempt to force his way into Hasenhuttl’s side. His decision to stay at Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2015, despite their relegation, was rewarded with the move to Southampton the following January. The likelihood is that there will be a strong market for him in the summer.

More Liverpool non-news

If it was in any doubt, no action at all expected at Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp is spotted heading home for the day. 

Almiron speaks...

... through a translater, and Newcastle's record signing seems a man of few words. These are his thoughts on joining Newcastle: 

I think it happened very fast and I'm very happy to be here, and anxious to get going. 

Was he worried it wouldn't go through?

No, I tried not to think much about that. For me it is an honour for a team like Newcastle and a manager like Rafa Benitez to want me in the first place. 

On what he's like as a player:

I'm rather fast, and I try to work together with my teammates. 

Does he think he'll play against Tottenham this weekend? 

No, that's not up to me. I'm just working and calm and waiting for my moment to play,

On what it feels like to be Newcastle's record signing? 

I try not to think about the numbers, I'm happy to now be here and start training with the manager and my fellow players.

Read our Newcastle expert Luke Edwards' news story on the transfer for more of Almiron's thoughts.

Confirmed: Georges-Kévin N'Koudou has joined Monaco on loan

 Tottenham confirm the 23-year-old's departure to Monaco for the rest of the season. 

He's here...

 Almiron in a Newcastle shirt, at St James' Park. Newcastle fans rejoice. 

Almiron braving the cold Credit: Newcastle United

Now get that man a coat... 

Miguel Almiron poses for photos at St.James' Park  Credit: Newcastle United

Suarez says "hola" to his new fans 

Scrap that - there's some action at Everton 

Chris Bascombe with the latest on Yannick Bolasie:

Yannick Bolasie returned to Everton from a loan spell at Aston Villa, but he is available for an instant exit. His £75k a week wages are an issue, but Anderlecht are in talks for the winger for a loan for the rest of the season. He could go in the next few hours.

Newcastle transfer record finally broken!

I know we all called this earlier this week, but the news has finally come that Miguel Almiron has signed a £20m deal keeping him at the club until 2024. The end of a pretty decent week for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle after their win over City. 

Michael Owen's transfer record of £15m at Newcastle finally broken, nearly 14 years later. 

Michael Owen's presentation to the Newcastle fans in 2005 Credit: Ian T. Horrocks

Update from Merseyside...

...where it has been quiet today. Chris Bascombe with all the info:

Liverpool

As anticipated, transfer deadline day has been quiet at Liverpool. No incoming deals were ever planned this January, and while a couple of back-up players are free to leave before tonight, the high salaries of former first team squad players such as Lazar Markovic means even that is no formality.

Given the number of names linked with the club, Liverpool’s lack of recruits probably says more about the worrying growth of unreliable websites and their numerous fake stories, falsely raising expectations in the most gullible clickers. Every credible outlet made it known Klopp had no plans to add to his squad this January. Where is the vacancy in his team.

When everyone is fit, the back four picks itself, as does the front three. There is rotation and room for debate as to what makes the best midfield trio, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back soon. Liverpool are operating in a different market now, seeking only Champions League standard players who can threaten or even replace first picks, or emerging youngsters to be developed. If Liverpool are going to spend a fee resembling that of Virgil Van Dijk or Alisson in future, it will be on those who (like that duo) are needed to go straight into the line-up. That was never likely this January.

Klopp was open about being happy with the balance of his squad for the remainder of this season. A quieter January is a symbol of that content. 

Everton

The question this morning was whether Everton’s declaration Idrissa Gueye is not for sale was intended to end talks or raise Paris Saint Germain’s bid. The Merseyside club has never shifted position – at no point implying they would welcome further talks. 

Although Gueye wanted to move to Paris, the timing and fee was always an issue. Who would Silva have replaced him with, even if the fee rose to £25 million? Everton’s ‘not for sale’ stance should ensure there is no dramatic final few hours of the transfer window at Goodison Park.

Silva would have liked a striker but with no obvious candidate – and perhaps more significantly nothing in the kitty – he and Director of Football Marcel Brands said (publicly, at least) they were prepared to wait.  Silva needs to get the most of the squad he has to ensure he can get planning for next season.

Aston Villa get in the mix

Confirmation in the last few minutes that Tyrone Mings will join Aston Villa in the Championship from Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season. 

West Brom, Derby and Nottingham Forest were all said to be interested in the 25-year-old defender but Dean Smith's Villa the lucky club. 

Cahill staying put

It's being reported that Gary Cahill rejected an offer from Juventus.

He looks set to stay at Stamford Bridge despite struggling to find a way into the "Sarriball" set-up. 

Interest from Arsenal has also fallen through. Cahill's £130,000-a-week paycheck might have something to do with that.

For exclusive Chelsea scoops, sign up to Matt Law's weekly newsletter.

Did I mention it's free? 

More Newcastle news

Newcastle's busy day continues, as they confirm that Callum Roberts has left on loan to League Two side Colchester. 

The 21-year-old made his first start for the club earlier this month in the FA Cup win against Blackburn, but he'll be moving south until the end of the season.  

Not a lot happening right now

As if you needed to know this, there doesn't seem to be much going on at the moment. Everyone's busy having lunch before they fax off the details of any loans. You don't want to get hot sauce in a fax machine, lord no.

Here are some possible things which might happen though:

  • Peter Crouch is off for a medical at Stoke
  • Schalke are in talks with Spurs over a loan move for Vincent Janssen 
  • Michy Batshuayi is wanted by West Ham but might not fancy it
  • Newcastle have gone nuts and want to loan everyone in the world
  • Tyrone Mings is having a medical at Aston Villa

That's about it!

Manchester United make a signing

Anthony Martial has signed a contract extension/new deal which keeps him at the club until 2024. To think he was linked with a move away from the club under the previous management...

This isn't one of those 'Man Utd made the real signing of the window' cliche moments, it's just a good thing for everyone at Old Trafford. 

Martial has spoken about the deal:

“I am loving my time at this club.  From the day I joined I have been made to feel part of the United family and I have been incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the warmth and love of our fans, who continue to amaze me with their support.

“I would like to thank Ole and his coaching staff for their belief in me and for helping me to take my game to the next level.  This club is all about winning trophies and I am sure the next piece of silverware is not that far away.”

Cardiff's transfer business

Tom Morgan's been following the ACTION in Wales:

The Reading midfielder Leandro Bacuna is en route to Wales for his medical after Cardiff City agreed terms on a transfer fee of around £3million. 

Frantic week of inquiries for exhausted Cardiff staff after Premier League told the club they were powerless to extend transfer window options following the Emiliano Sala tragedy.

Club are “hopeful rather than certain” of doing more business later today.

Newcastle have gone transfer crazy

I'm seeing double here, two transfers!

That's a left-back sorted for the rest of the season. Has anyone seen Mike Ashley recently by the way? I'm not entirely convinced he isn't tied up behind the bins out the back of a Sports Direct, Benitez going wild with his credit card.

Here's Luke Edwards with more:

As we reported first thing this morning, Antonio Barreca has signed for Newcastle on loan from Monaco. Move will become permanent in the summer if he impresses. Rafa Benitez says he can play as a left back or a wing back and they have “been looking to strengthen” there for “a while.”

The former Torino man also tells the club’s official television channel that he is really excited, can’t wait to get started, blah blah. More importantly, Almiron deal will be confirmed shortly and the £20m man will also be really excited and I bet can’t wait to get started and so on.

Do you like newsletters?

Picture the scene: you're at work, you don't want to actually do anything but it has to look like you do. What better way than reading your emails, staring intently at your screen taking in the data, graphs and information laid out so beautifully on screen.

Your manager walks past, notices you leaning forward in your chair and goes, 'boy, Jenkins sure is working hard, look how much attention he's paying to that email - I should give him/her a raise'. That's you. You've been given a raise because you've read an email so well.

Ali Tweedale writes this newsletter weekly, it's very good.  

Arsenal delighted with Suarez signing

 

Reece Oxford to move back to Germany

He made his debut for West Ham at 16 and hasn't really been seen in England since but Reece Oxford is, apparently, about to head out on loan to FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga. That's right, if you're a talented young English player, Germany is the country for you.

Here's an article I wrote on which Premier League teams give a chance to their youth players, mentioning Oxford as an example.

West Ham agree loan deal for Michy Batshuayi

All the delicious transfers are beginning to file in as football officials get the paperwork done before going on a hugely expensive expensed lunch. Well, not all of them! West Ham are deep in negotiations with Chelsea over the loan transfer of Michy Batshuayi, who you may recall had an unsuccessful spell at Valencia cancelled recently.

Loan terms are agreed between the clubs but the deal isn't done yet - other clubs are interested. Those clubs are believed to include Real Betis and [insert other club(s)]. Could this move have a knock-on effect with Javier Hernandez's desire to play football somewhere? 

Arsenal sign Denis Suarez!

It's done! 

Sam Dean, our Arsenal expert has this for you:

Arsenal have finally confirmed that Denis Suarez has joined the club on loan. Head coach Unai Emery said: “We are very happy that Denis Suarez is joining us. He is a player we know well and I have worked with him at Sevilla. He brings us quality and options in many different attacking positions, so he will be able to help the team.”

This is the player Arsenal are getting with that signing:

Denis Suarez in Football Manager 19

More from Sam Dean:

Emile Smith Rowe is joining RB Leipzig on loan until the end of the season. Despite some reports to the contrary, there is absolutely no option for the German side to buy him at the end of the campaign. The 18-year-old is very highly-rated at Arsenal and this move is intended to give him game time.

Emile Smith-Rowe in Football Manager 2019

Eddie Nketiah will not be following Smith Rowe out of the club, though, despite Augsburg being interested in taking the striker on loan.

A move for PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku could go right to the wire but is appearing increasingly unlikely at this stage. 

If you enjoy the cut of Sam's jib, you can read exclusive columns by him on Arsenal every week with our newsletter:

 

How does a transfer work?

Perhaps this musical explanation video I made four years FOUR YEARS JEEEEEEZ WHERE DID THE TIME GO? WHERE DID IT GO? Oh god four years are you serious I can't beli

Anyway, here's how a transfer works, with puppets:

 

Sunderland sign Lewis Morgan on loan

This is a superb wee signing for Jack Ross at Sunderland. Lewis Morgan was one of, if not the most important part of St Mirren's promotion winning season in 2017/18 and has sat on the bench at Celtic this season. A really tricky, quick-thinking and fast paced winger, he should do very well in League One.

 

It's busy at Nottingham Forest

John Percy:

Martin O'Neill's Nottingham Forest are working on a number of signings, with Sweden international Alexander Milosevic - a defender and free agent - likely to sign later today. Wolves striker Leo Bonatini is due for a medical and will join on loan for the rest of the season. There will be a few more signings too.

Forest sources are adamant that Stoke winger James McClean - who worked with O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane with the Republic of Ireland - is not a target.

Newcastle's mystery target revealed

Luke Edwards:

Right, so here is the thing. The mystery striker Newcastle United are trying to sign is in fact Salomon Rondon, who is already playing for the club, wearing the number nine shirt and doing rather well, it has to be said.

But, please, stick with me. Newcastle are working on a deal with West Brom that would see the burly centre forward remain on Tyneside beyond the end of the season. The most likely scenario is they extend the 29-year-old loan for another year in return for Jacob Murphy heading to The Hawthorns this month.

It all seems overly complicated to me, but West Brom would want around £15m to sell this month, yet Rondon will only have 12 months left on his contract when he is due to return to them in June. Importantly, he does not want to go back to the Midlands as he is thoroughly enjoying his time at Newcastle.

Can Newcastle manage to get this convoluted negotiation done before tonight’s deadline? You wouldn’t re-mortgage you house to bet on it happening, but we shall see.

No business at Hearts

Having signed a LOT of players in the summer, Craig Levein has confirmed that Hearts won't be doing any business today.

"I'm going to watch Snow Patrol tonight, my phone will be off," he said. "I don't see (anyone going out). It will be hard to get hold of me."

In more interesting news to Hearts fans, John Souttar is expected to sign a new longterm deal in the near future.

Leicester (want to) announce Tielemans

John Percy has the latest:

Leicester are expected to announce the signing of Youri Tielemans in the next few hours, in a significant coup for the Midlanders.

Tielemans has been considered a huge prospect in world football since he was 16 Credit: REUTERS

Tielemans is putting the finishing touches to a loan switch from Monaco this morning, with £22m signing Adrien Silva joining the Ligue 1 strugglers in a straight swap.

A Belgium international, Tielemans has been one of Europe's most highly-regarded young talents for some time and he could be named in Claude Puel's squad for Sunday's home game against Manchester United.

Spare a thought for Silva, though. He was the marquee signing of the 2017 summer window whose transfer was delayed until January last year because of that infamous 14-second cock-up. 

He has since been frozen out by Puel and now replaced, despite being a key player for the Portugal national team. Joining Monaco, and his old Sporting manager Leonardo Jardim, should provide his career with a sorely needed lift.

Cardiff are about to sign someone

Leandro Bacuna is on his way from Reading to Cardiff to complete a medical for a deal worth around £3.5million. He's a versatile player best suited to right-back or midfield.

 

Denis Suarez is on his way

 Goodbye Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique - hello Alex Iwobi and Shkodran Mustafi.

More news from Newcastle

It's all kicking off at St James' Park today! Or at least wherever the transfer business is conducted. Luke Edwards writes:

The new name in the black and white frame is Nantes winger Anthony Limbombe, a 24-year-old Belgian, who would sign on loan with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.

Nantes' Belgian midfielder Anthony Limbombe Credit: AFP

If Newcastle are close to tying up that transfer, it would explain why Rafa Benitez is willing to let Jacob Murphy head out on loan.

Middlesbrough are trying to hijack West Brom’s bid to sign Murphy and given he will not have to move away from the North East, the former England Under-21 international may prefer to play for Boro than the Baggies.

The final decision, though, is likely to rest with the ever controlling Benitez, who will pick the team he believes is best suited to the winger’s development.

Quite what this all means for Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris remains to be seen. Apparently, despite days of negotiating with the Portuguese club, talks have hit a bump in the road over money. It’s not dead, but time is running out to sign the Greece international if he does not set off for the UK soon.

Leeds in for Swansea winger Daniel James

John Percy has this update on Leeds United for us:

Spies are telling me that Marcelo Bielsa is set to sign Swansea winger Daniel James later today. 

Bielsa wants the Wales international to boost Leeds United's promotion challenge and is desperate to secure a deal, with a permanent move or initial loan two options being discussed between the two clubs.

James, 21, will be a controversial departure at Swansea, with the club's American owners under scrutiny for perceived asset-stripping, but Leeds are hopeful of agreeing a package before 11pm.

Bielsa's Leeds remain top of the Championship, ahead of Saturday's clash with second-placed Norwich.

Newcastle's day of fun

Newcastle are finally investing in players to try and not only avoid relegation but keep Rafa Benitez from abandoning ship! 

We know that Miguel Almiron is on his way, but what is a Miguel Almiron? I've done some scouting:

Credit: Football Manager 19

As you can see from Football Manager's scouting opinion, he's a really quick attacking midfielder with great technical ability suited to the 10 position. That gives Benitez the option of playing a 4-2-3-1 more often or a 4-4-1-1 - Ayoze Perez can play in that position but is a different sort of player and this move should give them real attacking threat.

The other linked mover today is Antonio Barreca, who can play at left-back. Considering Matt Ritchie started in that position in the win over Man City, getting a player like this in seems like a must.

Credit: Football Manager 19

Football Manager's scouting network is incredible by the way, if you were doubtful over their opinions on the world's players, here's an article I wrote a couple of months ago detailing how their scouting network works

These are not the droids you're looking for

 "Judilson Mamadu Tuncará Gomes, known as Pele" - ahh there it is. You can't just go around calling yourself Pele, mate. It's not as if you can do that and end up signing for a European Cup winning club... oh, I see it has worked.

Taking inspiration from Pele, I have decided that from this day forward I shall be known as... Batistuta. Free pints shall be mine.

Newcastle United transfer latest

This from Luke Edwards:

Andreas Samaris’ move to Newcastle United appears to be off. Talks have broken down with Benfica and there has been no progress this morning. That would also appear to end Isaac Hayden’s hopes of leaving for West Bromwich Albion today.

Wolves sign Jonny

Jonny Otto has completed his move from Atletico Madrid to Wolves for a fee of £18million. The Spaniard has been excellent this season as a left wing-back, starting 20 of Wolves' 24 league games.

Big Man Utd transfer news...

That's right United supporters. Get ready. Here it comes...

Matty Willock has gone out on loan to Crawley Town. The brother of Chris (Benfica) and Joe (Arsenal) is set to play in League Two until the end of the season. 

It's actually not a bad move - young players need to play football and at 22 years of age, Willock is in danger of not reaching his potential. Game time matters!

The domino effect

Not the pizza company. A lot of transfers depend on one club shifting a player so they have room to sign another, which frees them to shift a different sort of player else where, and so on.

The interesting news for Arsenal fans is that Luciano Acosta has reportedly flown, or is flying, from D.C. United to Paris to complete a move to PSG. That would mean Christopher Nkunku can head to Arsenal on loan...

Credit: AFP

 There he is playing for PSG this season in one of the five league starts and eight substitute appearances of this season.

Peter Crouch is still kicking it

And he's about to hit the heights of the Premier League! Because he's tall, you see. Apparently he's on his way for a medical at Burnley, whose style of football suits having a giant at the back post to knock down diagonal passes. Pretty smart business from Sean Dyche if he can get it over the line. There's an added part to this one - Sam Vokes might - maybe - be heading to Stoke as part of the deal.

Edit: here's confirmation from John Percy.

It's happening. Peter Crouch is returning to the Premier League at the age of 38. En route to a medical at Burnley right now. Understand Burnley will be taking over the remainder of his contract, which runs to the end of the season. Good luck to him, he's a top man and deserves it.

Stoke are signing Burnley striker Sam Vokes for around £7m, as part of the deal. A good piece of business for new manager Nathan Jones.

No thanks

 

Danny Drinkwater update

There are still no clubs properly linked with a move for Danny Drinkwater. The poor guy, just stuck earning millions of pounds living in London, forced to go into training for a few hours every day... we're all behind you, Danny. We believe in you!

Dundee United make a nice transfer announcement tweet

Peter Pawlett has moved from MK Dons for an undisclosed fee to join Dundee United's rather ambitious Scottish Championship chase. The best thing about this is if you listen to the audio on that tweet you'll hear the instrumental version of 'Don't You Want Me' by The Human League, and can admire the absolutely wondrous production on it without the vocals taking up the space of the synths. 

Maroune Fellaini's cryptic clues

Could it really be? Marouane Fellaini has posted this story on his Instagram:

Credit: @fellaini

Where he could be going? The rumour is China, where they will marvel at his amazing ability to control anything on his chest, no matter how high or powerfully struck in his direction. In exchange for this talent, Shandong Luneng are willing to pay lots of money per week, or at least enough that Fellaini has reportedly agreed terms on a deal to move there. There's no update on whether a fee has been agreed with Man Utd. Fellaini also posted this:

Credit: @fellaini

It's the kind of thing I'd do after a lovely night out, perhaps treating myself to a lovely beer or two. Of course, Fellaini is a professional athlete so wouldn't do such a thing.

Another Arsenal rumour

Christopher Nkunku, a technically gifted midfielder who like to drift into space from central positions, plays for PSG sometimes, but for how much longer? According to the BBC, Arsenal want to sign the 21-year-old Frenchman on loan for the rest of the season and it might be because he's also able to play at right-back - cover for Hector Bellerin? 

Newcastle transfer update

Here's an update from our man Luke Edwards, who has his finger firmly on the pulse of all things Newcastle:

These are wild and crazy times on Tyneside where Newcastle United head into deadline day looking as though will be one of the busiest clubs in the country. Three new arrivals are likely, including club record buy Miguel Almiron, but there could be more.

Poor Almiron, it is freezing in the North East and he was still wearing the same clothes he had left Atlanta in on Tuesday, 24 hours later when he had his medical at Newcastle’s training ground. The poor lad surely won’t start against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

What with the jet lag and inability to understand Geordie English, Rafa Benitez will surely give him a bit of time to settle, although the temptation to name him among the substitutes will be difficult to resist.

In the meantime, supporters have been busy watching clips of the Paraguay international playing in the MLS and, well, he looks precisely like the sort of player who will excite people. Sky Sports are also delighted because, having lost the rights to most overseas football, they are able to show MLS games

The other two new arrivals, Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris and Monaco left back Antonio Barreca also likely to sign on loan and Telegraph Sport understand there is another surprise permanent deal being negotiated in the background.

It’s amazing what thousands of supporters threatening to cancel their season tickets and a manager threatening to quit can do to a club in a relegation battle. Suddenly, Newcastle are willing to spend the money they had been hoarding in the last three transfer windows, even though owner Mike Ashley still seems keener to buy up every struggling High Street store company going.

As for outgoings, Aston Villa and West Brom are trying to sign Isaac Hayden, with Jacob Murphy also set to sign for the Baggies on loan.

Colchester United are trying to sign young midfielder Cal Roberts on loan, but Newcastle have turned down an approach from Bury to sign Matt Longstaff – younger brother of midfield revelation Sean – on loan until the end of the season.

Do you remember this man?

Credit: GETTY IMAGES

A £17million buy in July 2016, Spurs are currently in negotiations with Real Betis over sending Vincent Janssen out on loan. Is he really so bad that Spurs would rather ship him out than have cover for their injured strikers? Apparently so. Janssen was at Fenerbahce on loan last season and has 17 caps for Holland.

Is he just really annoying? Why don't Spurs want him around? Pray for Janssen.

Wolves want to sign 'the Iranian Messi'

Lord help you if you happen to be left-footed, half-decent at football and like to dribble because no matter where you're from, someone will label you the '[nationality] Messi'. Iran's version is a chap called Sardar Azmoun, a 24 year old forward with a good first touch who's scored 28 goals in 45 games for his country and four goals in 14 league games for Rubin Kazan this season. He's right footed. 

The Iranian Messi.

Anyway, Wolves are reportedly quite keen on paying £1.5million to take him on loan for the rest of the season with a very specific £11.4m option to buy after that. 

Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is wanted

Monaco are reported to be considering a loan move for Spurs' Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, a winger who's never quite lived up to the medium-hype. Nkoudou is 23-years-old these days and has worked his way into the first team thanks to a worrying collection of injuries to first choice playeers. He did set up the winner against Fulham in a late substitute appearance then played the full 90 minutes in an FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace... but apart from that...

 

A busy day at Newcastle?

Can you even imagine how exciting it must be to be a Newcastle United fan? It's -5 degrees outside the training ground but Rafa Benitez has turned up for work and is ready to make at least two, hopefully more signings today! 

Miguel Almiron is expected to sign for a club record £20million, the first time they've broken the transfer figure paid for Michael Owen in 1983. That fee was £16.5million.

There's always the chance that Mike Ashley has simply been hoarding all the TV money for the previous few years just so selling clubs drop their prices because they know how skint Newcastle are, and then Benitez can go absolutely nuts during one window.

I've just discovered an interesting link between Newcastle and Atlanta...

Stephen Glass, of course, used to play for Newcastle back in the late 90s before injuries slowed his career down. I still remember when he won a bicycle... 

But that's not all! Italian left back Antonio Barreca has arrived from Monaco for a medical. The 23 year-old is rumoured to be signing for an £900,000 loan fee with an £8million option to buy. That comes from NUFC.com, who are always on the ball when it comes to this sort of thing.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and the never-happening transfer

Guess who's rumoured to be in for Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure? PSG of course! They're spending money here and there and Doucoure has caught the eye after another impressive half season in the Premier League. Chelsea are also said to be interested, according to Sky Sports.

Sebastian Giovinco moves to Saudi Arabia 

You can't really blame someone for accepting a massive pay rise to do the same job, especially if they're sacrificing the culture and way of life of a city like Toronto to live in a soulless industrial desert, but we should probably go easy on Giovinco because, hey pal, it's his career. They have nice hotels there.

Toronto FC announced yesterday that they'd sold their star player, probably the best individual player in the entire of MLS... was. Was the best player in MLS. He now plays for Al-Hilal FC of the Saudi Professional League.

“I’d like to thank the fans and my teammates for four special years playing for Toronto FC,” said Giovinco. “I’d also like to thank the club for helping me as I transition into the next phase of my career.”

Tyrone Mings: Villain of the hour

Bournemouth's Tyrone Mings is to have a medical at Aston Villa before signing a loan deal which will keep him at Villa Park for the rest of the season. Well, he'll be allowed to go places other than Villa Park, they're not literally keeping him there. Away games and training for example. Perhaps a house to sleep in? I don't know. 

Either way, that deal should go through later today.

Transfer Hawk is here to SWOOP

Here's a short animated music video I made two years ago about Transfer Hawk, the hawk who swoops for transfers, taking bids from his war chest to sign all the players you see listed in various gossip columns. 

Stoke bid £5million for Aberdeen's Scott McKenna

Stoke City have had a bid of 'under£5million' for Scott McKenna rejected, and presumably, laughed at. The 22 year old centre-back has developed into one of the best young defenders in the UK, becoming an integral part of Aberdeen's second place finishes the last two years in a row and captaining Scotland too.

Aberdeen rate McKenna far higher than Stoke's opening bid and might hope the recent transfer of John McGinn to Aston Villa acts as a benchmark for how undervalued Scottish Premiership players tend to be - Wales international Chris Mepham recently completed a £12million move to Bournemouth from Brentford, for example.

Arsenal in for Yannick Carrasco

Unai Emery has said that Arsenal could sign two players today but that both will almost certainly be loans. One is the already confirmed Denis Suarez, who joins from Barcelona on loan.

As revealed by Jason Burt last night, Arsenal are fighting a battle to try and get ex-Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco in on loan from Dalian Yifang with the Belgian so desperate to leave China that he's willing to take a pay cut

Real Madrid like Marcus Rashford

Credit: AFP

Marcus Rashford is one of the best young players in the world, Real Madrid like to buy the best players in the world. It's a match made in football gossip heaven and one which is surely nonsense. 

Rashford is expected to sign a new contract at Man Utd in the summer but Real, apparently, hope to tempt him with the opportunity of being a Galactico and leaving his boyhood club - a fellow European giant - to score lots of goals in La Liga.

A red top paper reckons Real will offer Rashford up to £250,000 a week, something that will surely panic Rashford's agent. Before this rumour, he was happy to accept a low, low salary and take absolutely no bonus for himself for his part in negotiating a new contract. No, no - this agent is in it for the love.

Now though, everything's different. What a stress for that poor agent! Man Utd best offer him a huge new deal to ward off the advances of Real.

West Ham reject £7million bid for Javier Hernandez

Credit: REUTERS

Chicharito isn't playing that much and apparently quite fancies a move away from West Ham. One place he won't be going is Valencia, who had a £7million bid rejected yesterday, according to Sky Sports.

Coincidentally, West Ham have been linked with a move for Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi, who just had a loan cut short at Valencia. Spinning plates. Spinning plates everywhere.

What's going on in Scotland?

The most exciting league in Europe could be welcoming some new actors to its star show.

Celtic are expected to sign Maryan Shved, a 21 year old winger from Ukraine, from Karpaty Lviv today and loan him back for the rest of the season. Brendan Rodgers has said that he is aiming to make signings today, most likely a right-back and a centre-back.

An injury to Filip Benkovic, on loan from Leicester, could rule the defender out for the rest of the season, leaving Celtic with the error prone Jack Hendry and not a lot else in central defence. Lewis Morgan has barely featured this season too and he could be on his way to join former manager Jack Ross at Sunderland on loan.

Or, Morgan could be off to Aberdeen, who are looking to add to their squad. Jonny Hayes is another bench player at Celtic who could leave Glasgow to get some time on the pitch and Pittodrie could offer a welcome return - there's no direct link here yet but it makes some sense, doesn't it?

Rangers don't expect to get any business done today, with Steven Gerrard getting his signings in earlier in the month and signing Matt Polster from Chicago Fire yesterday. Jordan Rossiter will join Bury on loan for the rest of the season.

Hearts and Hibs could both be in for players to help them push for a top six place 

Emile Smith-Rowe to RB Leipzig? 

Emile Smith-Rowe has appeared in cup fixtures for Arsenal this season Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal's tidy young forward/winger Emile Smith-Rowe is reportedly on the brink - the very precipice - of a move to RB Leipzig, one of those clubs in Germany who quite like playing hugely talented teenagers. A watched pot never boils and the Premier League is fast proving that waiting for your hot new wonderkids to be ready doesn't make sense. You've got to take them out, put them in the heat and fire of the football kitchen and let them play, specifically by the time they're about 18, or no later than 19. The best tend to do pretty well.

Anyway, Smith-Rowe could join the German club on loan, following the example of Reiss Nelson who is also in the country and doing extremely well. Smith-Rowe's move is freed up by Denis Suarez signing for Arsenal. Why play the kids when you can sign a ready made, experience-filled player from elsewhere? 

Willian to PSG?

You may have heard that PSG have a bit of money. They've been linked with a few players in this window, most notably Leandro Paredes, who signed from Zenit yesterday, Idrissa Gueye, who Everton don't want to sell and now, according to Sky Sports 'sources', they might be after Chelsea winger Willian.

It's a move that might actually make sense. Neymar is out for about two-three months with a metatarsal injury which leaves PSG with a Brazilian shaped hole. They have him covered with players like Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler but Thomas Tuchel isn't exactly working on a budget. Would Chelsea consider selling Willian to give Callum Hudson-Odoi game time this season? 

Willian was a second half substitute last night in the 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth...

If Willian isn't possible, there's also some noise on various... 'media publications'... that Mesut Ozil could be targeted as a loan signing. This one sounds like the kind of thing started on Whatsapp by a 14 year old on the wind up - don't expect it to be real. 

Prepare all windows for imminent closure

Hello and welcome to Transfer Deadline Day! Yes, it’s time.

That special day of the year, this is the Thursday where your club signs someone amazing who sets up a title push nobody expected. It could be a £200,000 signing from Scunthorpe, a loan deal from Huddersfield Under-23s or maybe, just maybe, a consortium backed with more money than many countries will purchase your club and bankroll a spending spree like never before. Does anyone know where Robinho is right now?

Or, as is more likely, it’ll be a day of rumour that leaves you feeling thoroughly medium. There is no way tell anymore and the acceptance that buying in January means paying inflated prices has dulled the excitement levels somewhat.

That’s not to say there won’t be transfers. If someone special were to become available, you can bet anything that Premier League clubs will leap to action to make it happen. And the new trend for young British players to be scouted and poached by European clubs, specifically those in Germany, means we could be in for some shock transfers.

Chelsea say Callum Hudson-Odoi won’t be going anywhere… but can they really get rid of Bayern Munich’s advances? Man Utd might fancy buying a wonderkid or two and Benfica’s Joao Felix is one of the most coveted of these in the world… and look - United are linked with him already!

Idrissa Gueye wants a dream move to PSG, Andreas Christensen can’t get a game, Gary Cahill too, Marouane Fellaini might move to China, and in Scotland, there are transfers happening every five minutes. It’s the tightest league in Europe and at least four teams may try to strengthen their sides to push for the title.

AC Milan have money, Real Madrid might buy, Barcelona signed Kevin Prince Boateng on loan (they did!), Man City have had a little stutter, Arsenal are desperate to improve the squad… anything could happen. And when it does, you can follow all the action right here throughout the entire day as we bring you all the real news, questionable gossip and analyse those players you might never heard of but who are somehow worth £20million to find out just who they really are.

License this content