The January transfer window closes at 7pm today and clubs across the Premier League and Europe have a final chance to strengthen their squads for the final push to the end of the season.
With injuries mounting, Liverpool have entered the market for a new defender hijacking Chelsea’s interest in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The club have agreed £55m deal for the 20-year-old centre-back but it is not expected that he will move to Merseyside straightaway.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have parted ways with Raheem Sterling who is gaining interest from clubs such as Tottenham now that he is a free agent. Spurs are also understood to be keen on rivalling Inter Milan for the signature of former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby.
Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee could be one of the late movers having fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick. Zirkzee was rumoured to want to leave Old Trafford during Ruben Amorim’s previous reign and have been linked with both Roma and Napoli.
Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Arsenal are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, while Crystal Palace could be busy on deadline day with Jean-Philippe Mateta set to leave the club and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen looking likely to be his replacement.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Read MoreLiverpool agree £60m deal for Jeremy Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move
Oliver Glasner sidesteps striker transfer talk after draw with Nottingham Forest
Martin O’Neill stays coy on Celtic transfers after securing Europa League play-off
Transfer deadline day live
- Liverpool agree deal for Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move
- Liverpool bid to sign Geertruida collapses
- Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
- Palace bid for Strand Larsen accepted with Mateta set for Milan move
- Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent
- Interest grows in Manchester United's Zirkzee but will he leave the club?
David Moyes slams referee’s decision to book him for celebrating
12:16 , Luke ReeveyDavid Moyes has slammed a referee's decision to book him after Everton's late equaliser as "sad" in a fiery post-match press conference.
Beto scored in the 90+7th minute to secure a 1-1 draw for Moyes' side away at Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday (31 January).
He berated the match officials for having "no thought about what football means", before admitting he wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
The Scotsman said, "Who wants to see managers getting booked for celebrating? It's sad, isn't it?"
Michael Carrick admits winning late at Old Trafford is ‘the best feeling’
12:08 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick savoured “the best feeling” after watching Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time winner earn Manchester United a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham.
“It’s the best feeling I have to say,” Carrick said of winning the game in what he knew as ‘Fergie time’ when a player here. “Some of the best moments I’ve been part of here, you can dissect performances and there are plusses and not, and then you get a moment of elation and excitement like that.
“For me there’s no better place than in front of the Stretford End like that. It ends up meaning more. People leave here with more than just, ‘United won today’ – it’s layers on top of that, the emotion and the feeling and it’s why we all love it so much.”
Martin O’Neill stays coy on Celtic transfers
12:00 , Mike JonesCeltic manager Martin O’Neill said that the club are “making progress” as they look to add some January signings after securing a place in the Europa League play-offs.
The Scottish champions eventually eased past Utrecht with a 4-2 win at Celtic Park on Thursday evening to finish 21st in the league phase table, and they will face one of German side Stuttgart or Hungarian club Ferencvaros in February’s play-off tie, with the draw coming on Friday.
Martin O’Neill coy on Celtic transfers after securing Europa League play-off
Besiktas enquire about West Ham keeper
11:53 , Mike JonesBesiktas have asked about West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, according to the Daily Mail.
The 25-year-old was signed from Leicester City for £20m last summer but has struggled for form and has not been favoured by Nuno Espírito Santo.
He has made just five appearances and Besiktas are asking for a loan with option to buy.
Brighton's Watson set for Millwall loan
11:45 , Mike JonesBrighton’s Tommy Watson is set to join Millwall until the end of the season, according to The Athletic.
Watson scored the winner for Sunderland in last season’s play-off final but has made just six Premier League appearances for the Seagulls this term.
January moves already completed
11:38 , Mike Jones1 February
- Stefan Ortega [Manchester City - Nottingham Forest] £500,000
30 January
- Evann Guessand [Aston Villa - Crystal Palace] Loan
- Oscar Bobb [Manchester City - Fulham] £27m
28 January
- Adama Traore [Fulham - West Ham] initial £1m
27 January
- Christos Mandas [Lazio - Bournemouth] Loan
- Rayan [Vasco da Gama - Bournemouth] £24.7m
- Tammy Abraham [Besiktas - Aston Villa] £18.25m
26 January
- Yisa Alao [Sheffield Wednesday - Chelsea] £500,000
23 January
- Lorenzo Lucca [Napoli - Nottingham Forest] Loan
22 January
- Keiber Lamadrid [Deportivo La Guaira - West Ham] Loan
20 January
- Alex Toth [Ferencvaros - Bournemouth] £10.4m
19 January
- Marc Guehi [Crystal Palace - Manchester City] £20m
16 January
- Jocelin Ta Bi [Maccabi Netanya - Sunderland] Undisclosed
15 January
- Ade Solanke [Lorient - Bournemouth] Undisclosed
- Facundo Buonanotte [Brighton - Leeds] Loan
- Donyell Malen [Aston Villa - Roma] Undisclosed
14 January
- Conor Gallagher [Atletico Madrid - Tottenham Hotspur] £35m
12 January
- Brian Madjo [FC Metz - Aston Villa] Undisclosed
11 January
- Kaye Furo [Club Brugge - Brentford] Undisclosed
9 January
- Antoine Semenyo [Bournemouth - Manchester City] £65m
5 January
- Valentin 'Taty' Castellanos [Lazio - West Ham] Undisclosed
2 January
- Pablo Felipe [Gil Vicente - West Ham] Undisclosed
- Pascal Gross [Borussia Dortmund - Brighton] Undisclosed
- Brennan Johnson [Tottenham - Crystal Palace] £35m
1 January
- Alysson [Gremio - Aston Villa] £10.5m
Arsenal looking at options to replace Merino
11:37 , Miguel DelaneyArsenal are looking into an option to replace Mikel Merino following his broken foot injury before the end of the transfer window.
However, it is far more likely that the club decide against signing a direct replacement for the midfielder as there is an anticipation that Max Dowman could step into the role.
The club realise that Dowman needs to be managed as he is only 16-year-old but he looks ready to make an impact from previous appearances.
Palace bid for midfielder rejected
11:30 , Mike JonesCrystal Palace have had a bid rejected for Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano.
The 22-year-old Japan midfielder plays for NEC Nijmegen and is drawning interest from Ajax and Wolfsburg in this window.
The Standard say Nijmegen are keen to keep hold of the midfielder but are braced for offers to continue growing today.
Strand Larsen a good signing for Palace
11:23 , Mike JonesSky Sports' Paul Merson thats Jorgen Strand Larsen will be a good signing for Crystal Palace especially as the club will need to replace Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Merson said: “If I was a player now and someone came trying to buy me for £30m I would have thought I was useless. £40m is the norm now.
“I think that he had his head turned by a move at the start of the season and downed tools in a way. The kid’s a good player – I think it’s a good signing, he’s good enough for Crystal Palace.
“The Mateta one – things have just gone sour. But it just shows how great the Premier League is – one goal in twelve and he’s going to AC Milan!”
Arsenal working on deal for striker James Wilson
11:15 , Mike JonesOh hello!
Arsenal are in talks with Hearts over teenage striker James Wilson. The 18-yea-old has 18 monhts left of his contract with the Scottish club who hold an option for a further year.
Arsenal want to sign him on an inital loan and Sky Sports report that Wilson is travelling to London ahead of an expected agreement between the clubs.
Wilson has made just one league start for Hearts this season.
Besiktas want Agbadou
11:11 , Mike JonesBesiktas are interested in Wolves defender Emmanuel Agbadou.
They are understood to have had a bid worth around £13m rejected by Wolves last week.
The Turkish club are still keen and could attempt to push through a deal on deadline day.
Nypan recalled from loan
11:03 , Mike JonesSverre Nypan has returned to Manchester City from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
He made 22 appearances across all competitions for Boro and is likely to make the City first team squad.
The 19-year-old joined Man City in July from Rosenborg, signing a five-year deal until 2030.
Pepi to Fulham move collapses
10:55 , Mike JonesFulham’s potential move to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi is off.
Talks had been ongoing between the clubs but hit a wall last week.
PSV want a replacement before letting Pepi leave and it seems unlikely they will get one at this late stage.
The Cottagers intend to pursue a deal for the USA international in the summer.
Zinchenko seals Arsenal exit
10:47 , Mike JonesOleksandr Zinchenko has left Arsenal to join Ajax on a permanent transfer.
The Ukraine left-back had been at Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.
That deal was ended by mutual consent, with the 29-year-old instead moving to the Netherlands to join the Eredivisie side.
Arsenal said: "We thank Alex for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family well in their new chapter."
Napoli renew interest in Jadon Sancho
10:39 , Mike JonesNapoli have renewed their interest in Jadon Sancho and are weighing up a summer move.
Corriere dello Sport add that the United loanee is one name on a five-strong shortlist.
Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli, OGC Nice's Jeremie Boga, Atalanta's Daniel Maldini and Sassuolo's Armand Lauriente are the other names listed.
Man City star Rodri in referee rant after Tottenham draw as he claims ‘people don’t want us to win’
10:31 , Mike JonesManchester City midfielder Rodri has voiced strong criticism of refereeing standards, asserting that officials "have to be neutral" following a contentious decision during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
The Spanish international specifically targeted the allowance of Spurs’ first goal, which he believes was a clear foul.
Rodri in referee rant after Tottenham draw as he claims ‘people don’t want us to win’
Gruda leaves Brighton on loan
10:15 , Mike JonesRB Leipzig have signed Brajan Gruda on loan from Brighton.
The 21-year-old forward wants more game time to try and make it into Germany’s World Cup squad.
Gruda managed one goal and one assist in 18 Premier League appearances making the switch to the Bundesliga.
Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern contract talks
10:08 , Mike JonesLiverpool are interested in Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as the Frenchman continues to stall over a new deal at the German giants, per Sky Germany.
"Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer," Florian Plettenberg said.
"Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There's a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.
"But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. My opinion is he's waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid.
"Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that."
Chelsea interested in Endrick?
10:00 , Mike JonesAnother fairly sensationalist claim from Spanish media but one you could see being true!
Fichajes reports that Chelsea are targeting a move for Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Endrick, who has impressed since moving to Lyon on loan recently.
The report claims that the Blues would be willing to make a deal up to €80m, though any move would be complicated by the fact that the 19-year-old is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2030.
The Fulham star who broke a Premier League record in Man United defeat
09:53 , Mike JonesRaul Jimenez has etched his name into Premier League history, converting his 12th consecutive spot-kick during Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
The Fulham striker's unerring accuracy from 12 yards now sees him hold the record for the most penalties scored without a single miss.
Jimenez's perfect record began at Wolves, with his first penalty in a 3-2 loss to Tottenham in November 2018.
The Fulham star who broke a Premier League record in Man United defeat
Gomes set for Wolves loan
09:45 , Mike JonesWolves are set to complete a loan move for Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes, per BBC Sport.
Talks have been ongoing between the clubs over a return to the Premier League for the former Manchester United player, and it’s reported that Englishman Gomes will join Wolves in a deal that includes an option to buy.
Ademola Lookman set for Atletico Madrid move
09:38 , Mike JonesAdemola Lookman is set to sign for Atletico Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.
An agreement is in place for a €35m fixed fee plus €5m in add-ons, with Lookman having agreed a long-term deal with Atletico.
The Spanish club are now planning travel and a medical for the Nigerian.
🚨🔴⚪️ Ademola Lookman to Atlético Madrid, here we go! The agreement is in place on every detail.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026
€35m fixed fee, €5m add-ons to Atalanta and long term deal agreed by Lookman after decision last night.
Atlético, planning now for travel and medical next for the Nigerian. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/soAS1eVVJZ
Sunderland sign Ellborg
09:30 , Mike JonesSunderland have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Melker Ellborg on a contract until the summer of 2030.
The 22-year-old arrives on Wearside from Malmo on the back of an impressive 2025 with the Swedish side, where he kept five clean sheets in seven league games and has been involved in their Champions League and Europa League campaigns.
Sunderland confirmed that the goalkeeper, who started his career with IFK Berga, will not be eligible for their Premier League clash against Burnley on Monday night.
Arsenal in shock Tonali talks?
09:26 , Mike JonesSky in Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that Arsenal are in talks over signing Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
The news follows the injury to Mikel Merino with the Spaniard set for a spell on the sidelines due to a broken foot.
It feels unlikely that Newcastle who let Tonali leave as he is an integral part of their team. In fact, Sky Sports’ Keith Downie says that there hasn’t been an approach from Arsenal.
With Joelinton, Lewi Miley and Bruno Guimaraes all injured for Newcastle, Tonali is a permanent fixture in their midfield.
But, should the Gunners pursue the move though it will likely cost them a huge sum to push it through on deadline day.
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09:23 , Mike JonesMiguel Delaney’s ‘Inside Football’ is available for just £1.
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Hoops agree loan for Adamu
09:15 , Mike JonesMore Celtic news now as the Hoops have agreed a loan for Freiburg forward Junior Adamu.
It’s understood the clubs are still discussing details around a potential option to buy clause.
The Austria international is in the UK and due to undergo a medical on deadline day.
Celtic reject bid for Engels
09:09 , Mike JonesSky Sports are reporting that Celtic have rejected an offer of £17.3m for Arne Engels by Nottingham Forest.
Celtic have told Nottingham Forest the midfielder is not for sale having previously turned down a £14m bid from Forest for the Belgium international on Sunday.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is a keen admirer of the 22-year-old, who signed for Celtic for a record fee of £11m in August 2024.
Lascelles heading to Leicester
09:00 , Mike JonesJamal Lascelles is in Leicester City today to complete a transfer from Newcastle.
Sky Sports say that the two clubs have already agreed the details of the deal with the defender, who has only made two appearances for the Magpies this season, set for his exit.
Arsenal have bid rejected for Tyjon
08:51 , Mike JonesArsenal have made a bid worth around £1m rejected by Blackburn Rovers for young star Igor Tyjon.
According to Football.London, the Gunners have reignited their interest in the 17-year-old, having last summer seen multiple offers rebuffed.
Tyjon is expected to quit Blackburn in the summer, if a winter move does not materialise, at which time Blackburn would only pocket a small compensation fee.
How the almost irreplaceable Casemiro exposes Man United’s new vulnerability
08:44 , Richard JollyThe Stretford End songbook was focused on two defensive midfielders. The song celebrating Michael Carrick was, like the man himself, brought back from the past. Yet after the final whistle, after an injury-time winner, the name sung longest and loudest was that of Casemiro.
He has started his long goodbye at Old Trafford. He has been talisman and transformative presence, laughing stock and fading force. Now it seems the Brazilian will go as a cult hero, and a man who will leave a sizeable gap in the midfield.
How the almost irreplaceable Casemiro exposes Man United’s new vulnerability
Sterling in high demand
08:36 , Mike JonesRaheem Sterling’s representatives are in talks with seven Champions League-level clubs who want to sign him, reports Sky Sports.
Sterling, 31, wants to start playing football again as soon as possible and still feels he has a lot to give the game, though he has not played since appearing for Arsenal last season.
Tottenham are among the teams reportedly keen on the player.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich linked with Dalot
08:30 , Mike JonesThis is an unusual rumour.
Man United star Diogo Dalot is being linked with a move to Real Madrid.
It’s not the most concrete of reports, with Fichajes detailing the loss to Benfica has pushed Los Blancos to make a move for the Portuguese full-back.
They add that Bayern Munich are also keen, and could spark a bidding war, with United holding a lot of negotiating power as there are two years remaining on his deal and the potential for a one-year option.
Dalot seems settled at Old Trafford but if Madrid come knocking on deadline day could he resist a move?
Mateta's Palace exit close
08:23 , Mike JonesJean-Philippe Mateta is very close to finalising his exit from Crystal Palace and will be assessed by AC Milan’s doctor in Paris today
Milan and Palace agreed a deal in excess of £26m and the Serie A side will make their decision today on if they want to sign the striker in this window.
Palace also had a bid of £35m from Nottingham Forest but turned that down.
Mateta has scored nine goals in 33 Premier League appearances for Palace this season.
Juventus make Beto enquiry
08:16 , Mike JonesEverton’s last-gasp hero Beto is the subject of interest from Juventus following his 97th minute equaliser against Brighton at the weekend.
TalkSport say that the Serie A side have made an enquiry with the Toffees to sign the striker before the window closes today though Everton are reluctant to sell.
Everton reportedly want to have a replacement lined up before sanctioning a move and time is tight to sort one.
Sarr heading to Chelsea
08:09 , Mike JonesOne move that looks set to happen on deadline day is Mamadou Sarr heading to Chelsea.
The Blues signed Sarr from Strasbourg last summer before sending him back to the French side on a season-long loan.
But, former Strasbourg manager and current Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is keen on a reunion and the loan deal has been cut short.
Sarr is expected in London today to begin life at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham want to keep Kolo Muani
08:02 , Mike JonesTottenham have no plans to cut Randal Kolo Muani's loan short, even though Juventus want to bring the forward back to Turin.
Kolo Muani is on loan at Spurs from PSG, and while reports elsewhere suggested that the club might want to cut his loan short due to interest in strikers such as Jean-Philippe Mateta, Sky Sports reports that that is not the case.
Disasi set for West Ham loan
07:56 , Mike JonesAxel Disasi is on the brink of joining West Ham from Chelsea on loan, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Chelsea centre-back could boost Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers and the bid to beat the drop.
Disasi was part of the Blues’ “bomb squad”, but has rejointed training under Liam Rosenior.
But there is little chance of regular minutes still at Stamford Bridge, meaning a loan across London could revitalise his career.
What's going on with Joshua Zirkzee?
07:51 , Mike JonesManchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee remains the subject of speculation with The Sun reporting that Roma and Napoli are interested in signing him.
Juventus are also said to be monitoring Zirkzee’s situation but despite the interest Man Utd seem set on keeping Zirkzee on the books.
The striker has fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick but, with incomings looking unlikely on deadline day, the head coach wants to keep Zirkzee in the squad.
He said: "Josh is just trying to work to get fit and get around the group. It has been great to have him back training with the group for the first time.
"That is as far as it goes, for me and for Josh. I am looking forward to working with him. That's it, nothing else has been needed to be said."
Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of a chaotic Chelsea era
07:46 , Richard JollyA good day to bury bad news became a very good day to bury bad news. Chelsea FC announced Raheem Sterling’s departure two-and-a-half hours before kick-off on Wednesday. Later that night, they had beaten a man consigned to their past rather earlier, and after a rather more successful time at Stamford Bridge, in Antonio Conte.
Overcoming Napoli in Italy was the best result of Liam Rosenior’s brief tenure, and one of the finest since Sterling last kicked a ball for the Blues.
Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of Chelsea’s chaos
Geertruida move to Liverpool collapses
07:44 , Mike JonesLiverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Reds had opened talks over a move for the on-loan Sunderland defender, hoping to bring him in to provide emergency right-back cover.
However, The Times now report a deal is not expected to happen now with Sunderland not in a position to sanction a move for the player, whose parent club is RB Leipzig.
Wolves accept Palace bid for Strand Larsen
07:42 , Mike JonesCrystal Palace have had their latest offer for Jorgen Strand Larsen accepted by Wolves, The Independent understands.
The offer is £43m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons, with it understood that the Norwegian’s medical has been booked in.
It coincides with the imminent exit of Jean-Philippe Mateta, with AC Milan agreeing a £30m deal with the Eagles for the Frenchman.
Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
07:38 , Mike JonesJulian Alvarez continues to be of interest to Arsenal and Gary Lineker believes he would be a fantastic signing for the club.
Alvarez had scored 40 goals in 86 games for the Spanish side and would bring more firepower to the Gunners forward line.
ESPN reports the Spanish club would reportedly demand a fee in excess of €100m to sell the player.
Alongside Arsenal, both Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be tracking the Argentina international.
And Atletico could be more willing to sell Alvarez, should they get a deal for Ademola Lookman over the line.
“I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast.
“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud.
“Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”
Liverpool agree £60m deal for Jeremy Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move
07:34 , Richard JollyLiverpool have agreed a £55m deal with Rennes for centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old, who was a Chelsea target, will move to Anfield in the summer after Liverpool agreed a fee with the French club.
It could rise to £60m including add-ons and would make Jacquet the second most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history, after Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool agree £60m deal for Jeremy Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move
