Transfer deadline day as it happened: Recap the final day of the January transfer window

31 January 2020

Bowen sneaks under the wire!

We suspected it might have been the case, and now it's confirmed. Jarrod Bowen is now a West Ham United player.

The Hull City hitman has been prolific in the Championship, and now he'll be donning the famous claret and blue of West Ham as a Premier League striker the next time he takes to the field.

The deal was done and submitted just as the transfer window was coming to a close, and seals the final big-time transfer of the window, with the Hammers set to pay Hull a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million.

THE WINDOW SLAMS SHUT!

That's it, it's over! The 2020 January Transfer Window is now closed, and only those deals that have active paperwork with league officials will now be ratified beyond tonight's 11pm (UK time) deadline.

How did YOUR team's transfer window go? Did you end up stronger, or weaker, than you were at the end of 2019? Tweet us at @RTSportNews and let us know!

DONE DEAL: Aston Villa land Borja Baston

Aston Villa have added to their attacking options with the signing of Spanish target man Borja Baston from Swansea City on a six-month deal.

Villa are flirting with that dreaded dotted line at the foot of the Premier League, and have moved to sign Baston to give them another attacking threat to help them claw their way clear of danger.

Manchester United's latest African signing

DONE DEAL: IGHALO JOINS MANCHESTER UNITED

It's one of the two big deals that has dominated the final two hours of the January Transfer Window, and it's now a DONE deal, as Odion Ighalo's loan switch from Shanghai Shenhua to Manchester United is now complete.

The former Watford hitman, who hit 36 goals from 72 Premier League starts at Vicarage Road, will swap China for England in a six-month loan switch that also includes an option for United to buy the striker at the end of the season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to wait to get a replacement for the injured Marcus Rashford, but now it seems he's got one.

DONE DEAL: Ryan Bennett joins Leicester

Center half Ryan Bennett has joined Leicester City on loan from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

The loan, which takes Bennett to the King Power Stadium until the end of the season, also includes an option for The Foxes to buy the defender for a sum believed to be around £5 million.

ONE HOUR TO GO!

We're less than 60 minutes away from the end of the 2020 January Transfer Window and all eyes are on Old Trafford and The London Stadium, as Manchester United and West Ham United race against the clock to secure the signings of much-needed strikers.

United are working with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua to secure the signing of former Watford striker Odion Ighalo on a six-month loan with an option to buy, while West Ham are on the verge of securing the transfer of in-form Hull City striker Jarrod Bowen for a fee believed to be in the region of £20 million ($26.4 million).

Most of the other clubs in the Premier League appear to be powering down their laptops for the night, but the lights are very much still on in Salford and Stratford.

Can they get their respective deals done in time?

Jarrod Bowen on the brink of Hammers switch

Hull City hitman Jarrod Bowen has been a target for West Ham United, and it seems things are finally beginning to come together for the deal.

Bowen is now, according to Sky Sports, at West Ham with his family, and finalising details over his move to the Premier League club.

The striker, who has scored 54 goals in 117 games in all competitions for Hull, has netted 17 times in all competitions this season, leading to him being rated as one of the most prolific potential targets from the Football League.

West Ham clearly like what they see, and are pulling out the stops to get the 23-year-old's signature secured before the window slams shut at 11pm UK time.

Derby's January signing looks a bit useful...

While most of the Premier League are glued to the rolling live coverage of Transfer Deadline Day, Championship fans are checking out the live Friday Night Football clash between Derby County and Stoke City.

As we post this update, there are 12 minutes left to play at Pride Park, and Derby are 4-0 up.

Here's the video of their third, a peach of a free kick from Derby's promising new signing.

He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney!

Ighalo update

Our man Alexey Yaroshevsky brings us his latest update on the Odion Ighalo situation as the player agrees terms with Manchester United.

Who makes your Transfer Window Top 5?

The January Transfer Window has been busy, with plenty of deals being done at all levels across Europe's major leagues. But which transfers stand out as the best pieces of business completed during the month?

Our man on the ground Tancredi Palmeri checks in with his Top 5.

ODION IGHALO: Try before you buy!

Sky Italia are reporting that Odion Ighalo's mooted deal to join Manchester United is a six-month loan deal, with an option to buy, with details reportedly agreed. That little tidbit may show that either Shanghai Shenua are keen to offload the striker, or United are particularly keen to try before they buy.

It was also reiterated that United faced a race against time to get the deal done in time, with Ighalo over in China set to go through all the necessary admin and medicals ahead of the deal.

DONE DEAL: Maya Yoshida heads to Italy

Southampton's Japanese center-half Maya Yoshida was strongly linked with a loan switch to Serie A side Sampdoria, and that deal is now official, with the 31-year-old Japanese international heading to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on a six-month deal.

Yoshida's contract at Southampton finishes at the end of the season, so the move effectively means he may well have played his last game in Saints colors.

Spurs tried to swoop for Ighalo... but failed to get their man

Sky Sports are reporting that Tottenham Hotspur looked to snag Shanghai Shenhua striker Odion Ighalo from under the noses of Manchester United, but they couldn't make it happen. The coast now seems clear for Ighalo to head to Old Trafford, but that deal is far from certain.

A six month loan deal to bring Ighalo to United has reportedly been agreed, but the success of the deal is, according to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, only a 50-50 possibility, with the parties in China working to get everything done in time for the deal to be ratified.

It's one of those deals that, if successful, might not get officially confirmed before the 11pm deadline.

Neil Warnock, meanwhile, suggested that Ighalo's motivation might need a kick up the backside after his spell in China.

"If you go to China, you haven't got any ambition left," said the veteran manager.

YOUR SHOUT: Who's the best signing of the January Transfer Window so far?

Our social media team has been all over Transfer Deadline Day like a cheap suit, and they've put together a shortlist for the top signing of the January window so far.

Cast your vote via the options below or, if your pick isn't listed, tweet us at @RTSportNews and tell us who gets your vote, and why.

UFC star says Richarlison is going nowhere!

We don't know too many bigger Everton fans than UFC women's flyweight star "Meatball" Molly McCann, and when we asked her about the future of their Brazilian striker Richarlison following Barcelona's big-money bid earlier this week, her message was clear.

He ain't going anywhere!

Manchester United 'could still land Ighalo' 

Despite Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saying earlier that their business was done for this window, they could yet land ex-Watford striker Odion Ighalo from Chinese team Shanghai Shenhua, according to Sky Sports.

United turned their attentions to Ighalo after being rebuffed in their bid to bring in Joshua King from Bournemouth. 

Solskjaer is desperate to add reinforcements to his thin front line - could 30-year-old Ighalo be that man? Remember that the Chinese league is currently on lock-down over the coronavirus fears, which could facilitate any move for the player. 

United will have to get a move on if so...

More on that Antonee Robinson to AC Milan saga...

Wigan have released a statement confirming Robinson, 22, "will remain at the DW Stadium after his move to AC Milan could not be completed."

"Robinson travelled to Milan this morning after the two clubs agreed a fee for the permanent transfer on Thursday evening," it added. 

"The USA international underwent a medical examination with AC Milan, though further medical tests with the Italian authorities were required, which were subject to a 72-hour deadline.

"As such, the deal could not be formally ratified before the 8pm Italian Transfer Deadline on Friday."

So nothing about Wigan changing the terms, as has been reported in some quarters...

DONE DEAL: Emre Can joins Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund fans, rest easy - that deal for Germany midfielder Emre Can is now official.

The 26-year-old ends his disappointing spell at Juventus, returning to his homeland on a loan-to-buy deal. Can will sign a 5-year contract with the Black and Yellow machine, with reports stating a €30 million fee for the deal. 

FIVE HOURS TO GO... 

Tick tock, tick tock. Clubs in the English Premier League, Spain's La Liga and the French Ligue 1 now have just five hours to get those late January deals done.

Will we see any big moves from out of the blue? 

Clock ticking down in Italy

Italy's transfer window closes in just over an hour (19:00 GMT). Can clubs sneak in some deals before that deadline? 

Tancredi Palmeri has more - including on that move for Antonee Robinson from Wigan to AC Milan.

Barca making more moves for young talent

Another deal for Barcelona, and another young talent signed to arrive in the summer.

Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes, 21, will join Barca from Palmeiras in July on a five-year deal for a fee of €7 million plus €3 million in add-ons. The buy-out clause is set at a hefty €300 million. 

Earlier today Quique Setien's side announced that 20-year-old SC Braga forward Francisco Trincão would also be arriving this summer.  

Done deal: Angelino joins Leipzig from Man City

That Angelino deal is now official as City's Spanish youngster heads to Germany on loan, with the Bundesliga table-toppers having the option to sign the left-back for €30m (£25m) in the summer.

From Wigan to Milan… and back again?

There are reports that Antonee Robinson’s seemingly unlikely move from English second-tier strugglers Wigan Athletic to Italian giants AC Milan could be OFF.

The US national team left-back, 22, arrived in Milan to complete his medical, only for Wigan to reportedly jeopardise the deal by changing the terms. Initial reports were of a £6m and potential add-ons taking that up to £10m.  

Another ominous sign for Robinson is that Milan are calling back left-sided player Diego Laxalt from his loan at Torino. 

The clock’s ticking down in Italy as the deadline there closes at 19:00.

Angelino to swap Man City for Leipzig?

Man City youngster Angelino could be on the move to German table-toppers RB Leipzig on loan, according to Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old Spaniard is behind Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order at left-back, so City boss Pep Guardiola could allow him out for more playing minutes. 

Leipzig look to have dropped a not-so-subtle hint of an imminent move on their Twitter. 

Behind the scenes in Italy

Ever wondered what deadline day is like in Serie A? Football journalist Tancredi Palmeri treats RT Sport to a look behind the scenes.

SEVEN HOURS TO GO

Your friendly reminder that clubs in England, Spain and France have just under seven hours to go until the transfer window slams shut at 23:00 GMT.

For Italy’s Serie A that deadline is 19:00 GMT, while for the German Bundesliga it’s 17:00 GMT.

Bale-out still on the cards?

Gareth Bale has NOT been included in Real Madrid's squad to face Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Earlier today Real boss Zinedine Zidane said the Welshman would remain in Madrid amid reports of a return to Tottenham.

Bale has featured just twice for Real this year, meaning of course that his omission from the squad could be for purely tactical reasons...   

Cavani to stay at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has ruled out a departure for Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani, who was a major target for Atletico Madrid and potentially Chelsea.

Atletico are believed to have had two bids rejected for the big forward, who has fallen down the pecking order at PSG behind Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and summer arrival Mauro Icardi.

Cavani, 32, who is PSG's all-time top scorer, will have to wait until his contract is up in the summer before leaving.  

"There are worse situations than to remain a PSG player," Tuchel said at a press conference on Friday.

Fedor Smolov seals loan deal to Celta Vigo

Russia international and reported former West Ham target Fedor Smolov has joined Celta Vigo on loan. The Krasnodar striker has joined the Spanish outfit until summer 2020 and has been given the number 9 shirt at the Galician club.

Richarlison rumors

Eyebrows were raised earlier this week when it was reported that Barcelona had made a shock £85m (€100m) bid for Everton's 22-year-old Brazilian forward Richarlison. 

No deal: Everton reject €100m bid from Barcelona for Brazilian hitman Richarlison

But at a press conference on Friday, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti rebuffed any talk that there had been an official offer from the Catalans, saying it was merely "rumor." 

“We didn't receive an official offer," the Italian said. "[Richarlison] is happy here, he signed a new contract just one month ago. He is a really important part of our squad.”

Richarlison trained on Friday with the Toffees and is set to feature against Watford in the Premier League tomorrow. 

Classic Jose

Jose Mourinho is an old hand at this deadline day lark - so much so that he asked (and answered) the questions on any potential Spurs moves at his press conference earlier today.

'Go somewhere more exciting'

Another club distinctly unbusy today are runwaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.  

"Incoming: nothing. Outgoing: nothing," Klopp told the press on Friday, ahead of Liverpool's Premier League game against Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

"Calm down and go to another place where it is more exciting," the German added. 

Liverpool signed Japanese midfielder Takumi Minamino, 24, from RB Salzburg for £7.25m at the start of the January window, and few could blame Klopp for not wanting to bring anyone else in, with the Reds sitting 19 points clear at the top of the table.  

If you want some insight into Liverpool's savvy transfer deals in recent years and how they compare to rivals Manchester United, check out our analysis below.

Russian international Smolov handed no.9 at Celta 

Russian forward Fedor Smolov has been given the number 9 shirt at La Liga strugglers Celta Vigo after making a loan move from Lokomotiv Moscow. 

Smolov, 29, will look to revive his fading career after a largely disappointing spell at Lokomotiv since joining in the summer of 2018.

Smolov has netted just four times in 19 club appearances this season, and has 14 goals in 39 appearances for Russia. 

Celta have the option to make the deal permanent for €6m at the end of the season.

They will be hoping Smolov can help fire them out of the La Liga relegation zone, as they lie one point from safety in 18th.  

No moves at Man City

One place where there will definitely NOT be any action today is at Premier League champions Manchetser City. 

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the this weekend's trip to Tottenham, City boss Pep Guardiola has said: "Normally I start the season with players I trust... I prefer to finish the season with the same players." 

That's despite City trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by a whopping 19 points. 

Lampard confirms Dries Mertens will NOT join Chelsea

Stamford Bridge boss Frank Lampard has confirmed Napoli's Dries Mertens will not be joining Chelsea. The Belgian had been courted by the London club, but now the deal is more or less dead in the water.

Lampard had earlier confirmed forward Olivier Giroud would stay at the club, praising his professionalism and "impeccable" conduct throughout repeated interest from Tottenham Hotspur and in Itlay from Lazio and Inter Milan.

Not Russian off anytime soon

Reports in Russia have linked Lokomotiv Moscow attacking midfielder Aleksei Miranchuk, 24, with a move to Italian giants AC Milan. 

The San Siro club have reportedly offered €3m to take the Russian international on loan until the end of the season, with the option of a €15m permanent deal after that. 

There have been denials from the player's agent, while RT Sport sources in Italy also say Milan have not made a move for Miranchuk. 

It looks like the Russian will be at Loko until the end of he season before considerning an exit.  

The Russian caught the eye in the Champions League this season with goals against Juventus home and away.

Chinese exits continue

Dutch striker Richairo Zivkovic has become the latest player to quit Chinese football amid the coronavirus outbreak. 

Former Ajax starlet Zivkovic, 23, has joined English Premier League club Sheffield United on a six-month loan from Changchun Yatai.

Earlier in the window Sheffield United splashed a club-record £22 million on 21-year-old Norwegian international midfielder Sander Berge from Genk. 

Lazio still holding out for Giroud 

RT Sport sources in Italy say Lazio are still going all out to land Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud.

That comes despite reports that the London club will not part ways with the Frenchman, after failing in their efforts to bring in Napoli forward Dries Mertens or Edinson Cavani from PSG.   

Carrasco heads back to Spain 

Confirmation from Atletico Madrid that Belgium's Yannick Carrasco has returned to the club from China.

The 26-year-old winger will be on loan from Dalian Yifang until the end of the season. 

Barca bag Portuguese prodigy Trincao for €31m

Barcelona have announced a deal for 20-year-old SC Braga forward Francisco Trincão.

The youngster will remain at Braga for the rest of the season before making the switch to the Nou Camp on July 1 in a five-year deal worth €31 million for the Portuguese side. The buyout clause has been set at an eye-popping €500 million.     

Trincão has played 29 times for Braga, scored three goals. 

China league on conovirus lockdown - which players could jump ship on deadline day?

The Chinese Football Association has indefinitely suspended its Super League due to the deadly outbreak of coronavirus - which has claimed upwards of 130 lives so far - leaving a string of stars depserate for a move on deadline day.

Marko Arnautovic - Shanghai SIPG

Manchester United first registered interest in strike handful Arnautovic when the Austrian played in England first for Stoke City and later West Ham United in the Premier League, but now transfer materialized and the strapping 6ft 4in forward moved instead to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

Arnautovic, 30 and who also plays on the wing, could be keen on a move back to the Hammers, but United could be tempted to reignite interest as star striker Marcus Rashford is set to spend an extended period on the sidelines with a back injury.

Hulk - Shanghai SIPG

Powerful Brazilian Hulk, named after the short-fused comic book hero for his bustling muscular frame, could be tempted away from China.

The former Zenit St Petersburg and Porto favorite could be a worthwhile gamble for Totenham Hotspur as they look to end their search for a replacement for Harry Kane, and even Manchester United, although either move looks highly unlikely.

Hulk earns a staggering £320,000 per week at the Chinese club, so it woud be difficult to prise the Shanghai captain away, and even with the threat of a deadly virus, who could blame him for taking the risk.

Marouane Fellaini - Shandong Luneng

United's former midfield enforcer Fellaini could be tempted away from China by a bid to bring him back to England.

Other former PL stars currently making their way in China include former Chelsea midfielder Oscar, ex-Spurs and Chelsea Paulinho, Mousa Dembele, Odion Ighalo and Salomon Rondon.

Greatest January signing ever? Have your say:

Vote in RT Sport's poll of the greatest January transfer signing of all time by choosing between Nemanja Vidic's move to Manchester United, Luis Suarez arriving at Liverpool, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang' switch to Arsenal or Virgil van Dijk's transfer to Liverpool.

Who needs what?

As the clock ticks down across Europe and fervent activity continues, here’s a breakdown of who still needs what.

Manchester United seem desperate to bring in a forward as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer targets Bournemouth’s Joshua King. Initial reports are that the Cherries have rejected a bid for the striker, with United set to redouble their efforts to land the Norwegian.

Another team in need to firepower upfront is Tottenham. With marksman Harry Kane out until April, they have trained their sights on Chelsea’s French forward Olivier Giroud. That’s despite bringing in Belgian frontman Steven Bergwijn for £27 million earlier in the window.

Assuming Giroud leaves, Chelsea themselves are aiming to make a move for either Napoli ace Dries Mertens or PSG’s Uruguayan star Edison Cavani. Italian clubs Inter Milan and Lazio could still hijack the Giroud to Tottenham deal, however.

Spanish giants Barcelona are also in the market for a forward following the injury to Luis Suarez. They had a major move for Everton’s Brazilian ace Richarlison rejected earlier in the window, but have also been linked with a late bid for Chelsea winger Willian.    

Watch this space...  

Emre Can in Dortmund to complete Borussia deal

Germany's Emre Can is set for a Bundesliga homecoming by completing a loan-to-buy move to Borussia Dortmund from Juventus.

Die Mannschaft international Can is in Dortmund to complete his move which will see him sign a 5-year contract with black and yellow machine, a €30 million fee to Juventus and an obligation for Borussia to buy the midfielder at the end of the season.

Barca-rated Richarlison banters with Everton fans

Everton's much sought-after forward Richarlison, who was the subject of an £85 million bid from La Liga giants Barcelona, has been online on transfer deadline day. 

Normally, when players subject to a rumored move away posts on social media immediately after the news broke, alarm bells begin to ring in the heads of his club's fans.

Thankfully for Toffees supporters, Richarlison has been breaking balls with a Blues Turkish fan account on Twitter who likened his flexible striking technique to the pose of a cat meme.

The Brazilian seems to be unburdened by the stress of the transfer talk of a mega-money move away from Goodison, which without doubt would be the biggest deal of the January window.

At rest, Everton fans...

Man United's bid for Josh King revealed

Manchester United have had a bid for Josh King rejected by Premier LEague strugglers Bournemouth for their youth acamedy product.

The Old Trafford outfit are understood to have bid £27 million for the striker, which would have made him the 5th-most expensive striker in United's history.

Man United Top 5 most expensive strikers:

1. Romelu Lukaku - £75m

2. Anthony Martial - £50m

3. Dimitar Berbatov - £32m

4. Wayne Rooney - £30m

5. ...Joshua King - £27m...???

Done deal: Arsenal sign Soares from Southampton

Arsenal have secured the signing of Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is desperate for defensive reinforcements and will see the Portuguese international as offering competition at right back to Hector Bellerin. Soares, 28, is out of contract at St Mary's at the end of the season.

Earlier in the window, Arteta brought in Spanish centre back Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo with an option to buy.   

Son of Romanian legend Hagi joins Rangers

Ianis Hagi – the son of Romanian legend Gheorghe – is on the move to Scotland. The highly-rated 21-year-old has joined Steven Gerrard’s Rangers on loan from Genk until the end of the season, subject to clearance. The club will have the option to buy. 

Looks like a great signing for the Glasgow side as they gear up for a tight title run-in with rivals Celtic.

Carrasco poised for Atletico return

Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco is on his way back to Atletico Madrid from Chinese club Dalian Yifang, according to reports. 

The Chinese Super League has been suspended amid the coronavirus outbreak, meaning the 26-year-old is concerned about a lack of playing time ahead of Euro 2020 as he aims to make Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad.

Carrasco was linked with Manchester United, but is said to favour a return to the club he played at from 2015-2018 before moving to China.

Atleti boss Diego Simeone is seeking more attacking options, and the move could be a loan one initially. 

When does the transfer window close?

With the last-ditch scramble for players well underway across Europe, here’s a reminder of when exactly the deadline is for various leagues.

The English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1 all see their windows shut today at 23:00 GMT.

For Italy’s Serie A it’s 19:00 GMT, while for the German Bundesliga it’s 17:00 GMT.

Clubs elsewhere have longer: in Portugal clubs can sign players up until February 2, while for Russia it’s February 21 and for China it’s February 27.

Lazio director 'flies to London'

RT Sources report that a SS Lazio director has jetted to London amid rumors that the Rome club are interested in signing Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.

Reports suggest the Frenchman could be closer to making a move across the capital to Tottenham; Inter Milan also made a bid for the forward.

Bruno given number of United legend

New £47 million ($61 million) Manchester United signing Bruno Fernandes has been issued the number 18, formerly of legendary Red Devils attacking midfielder Paul Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues at Old Trafford...

...no pressure Bruno...

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says 'I'd be very reluctant to love a player of that quality' as on Manchester United have bid rejected for former player Josh King.

Zidane: Bale is going nowhere

Real Madrid boss Zidane appears to have poured cold water on that Bale to Spurs move. 

Speaking at a presser, Zidane has said: "Gareth is here with us and I am counting on him. I am not contemplating this possibility [of him leaving]."

Bale set for stunning Spurs return? 

Unloved Real Madrid winger could be poised for a sensational return to Tottenham - the club he left for the Madrid giants in 2013 for a then-world record fee of around €100 million. 

Reports in the UK press state that the two clubs have made a breakthrough in talks, despite the obstacle of Bale's mammoth wages of around £500,000.

Bale is firmly out of favour at the Bernabeu and Real boss Zinedine Zidane made clear in a protracted summer saga that the Welshman's future lies elsewhere. 

Could that future be a return to North London and Jose Mourinho's Spurs?  

Transfer tales of the unexpected

The transfer window is famed for its tales of the bizarre and unexpected, and another story can be added to the annals involving French forward Cédric Bakambu of Chinese club Beijing Guoan.

The 28-year-old former Villarreal man was reportedly on his way to Barcelona to seal an unlikely switch to the Catalan giants when Barca pulled the plug on the deal mid-flight.

Despite missing out on the chance to play with the likes of Lionel Messi, there were no hard feelings from Bakambu…   

RT Sport Verdict - Giroud potential move to Spurs:

"Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is depsperate to replace injured talisman Harry Kane, especially with having missed out on a loan move for Ze Luis. While Frenchman Giroud is a pedigree above the Porto striker - and is proven in the Premier League - one has to think a long-term strike option would have been best if the North London club had been more alert in the window.

Since Kane's hamstring injury on New Year's Day, Spurs have had a full month to land a full-time replacement that would have bolstered Mourinho's sqaud even plus a fit Kane, with Edinson Cavani or Diego Costa a reality.

Inactivity could reveal a dangerous dependence on the England captain that could become apparent in the season's second half. A potential move for former star Gareth Bale won't hide that."

Transfer dominoes

That potential Giroud to Tottenham move could signal Chelsea are confident in bringing in someone up front as they target Napoli's Dries Mertens and PSG's Edinson Cavani. 

The Blues, remember, have had their transfer ban lifted meaning boss Frank Lampard can splash the cash as he aims to bring in someone alonside top scorer Tammy Abraham.   

Giroud to Tottenham 

Chelsea and Tottenham have agreed a deal for forward Olivier Giroud, according to reports in the UK. 

The big Frenchman's contract at the Bridge is up in the summer and he is keen to get more playing time ahead of Euro 2020. 

The potential Spurs switch comes despite renewed interest in Giroud from Inter Milan as well as fellow Italians Lazio. 

Jose Mourinho's Spurs have Harry Kane out injured until at least April, meaning a big gap to fill up front.  

Should the move go through, Giroud would complete the London set of playing for Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs.

Big moves to watch out for

Let's kick things off with a look at the biggest moves that could be happening today.

Much of the transfer talk will center on Chelsea, as Frank Lampard aims to bring in a forward. 

The Blues have are keen on Napoli's Dries Mertens, but have reportedly had a £6 million bid knocked back already. They could go back in for the Belgian star, whose contract is up this summer.

Chelse have also been linked to PSG frontman Edinson Cavani, whose hopes of joining Atletico Madrid were ended after the Spaniards failed to meet PSG's valuation.

A big cog in the transfer wheels moving forward is Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud, who is seeking a Stamford Bridge exit in search of more playing time. The French World Cup winner has been linked with Lazio and Inter Milan in Italy, and even closer to home, Tottenham.  

Hello and welcome to RT Sport’s LIVE transfer deadline day updates...

We’ll be bringing you all the latest as Europe’s clubs dash to do a bit of last-minute shopping as the clock ticks down to the close of the transfer window.

Speculation, safe bets, medicals, done deals – we’ll be bringing you the lot on what promises to be a busy day for football.

We have reporters in London and Milan as well as at our Moscow HQ as we use our sources and scour the press to scrutinize all the developments. 

Stay with us…