The January transfer window slams shut on Monday night, and Premier League clubs are once again scrambling to squeeze in a few last-minute panic buys before the clock hits zero.
If you’re unfamiliar with what deadline day actually looks like, just think back to that strange moment in 2020 when people were panic-buying toilet paper and petrol – despite many of them not even owning a car.
So yes, expect clubs to throw eye-watering stacks of cash at problems they probably didn’t even know they had two weeks ago.
Anyway, Transfer News Blitz writer Taylor Stephenson is here to break down some of the latest Premier League rumours – and tell you which ones are actually worth keeping an eye on when deadline day chaos kicks in.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Liverpool transfer news: Adam Wharton deal off as Morgan Rogers rumours emerge
TYRIQUE GEORGE
Everton are rumoured to have submitted a loan deal with an option to buy for one of the many young talents Chelsea continue to hoard at Cobham: Tyrique George.
The 19-year-old winger has featured just four times for Chelsea in all competitions this season, his last appearance coming as a five-minute cameo against Sunderland back in October.
Add to that Jack Grealish being ruled out until the end of the season, and suddenly, this move makes a lot of sense.
The only potential sticking point is the eventual fee Chelsea would demand if Everton choose to make the deal permanent – but given Everton’s current desperation, don’t be surprised if they end up agreeing to it.
JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA
The bad times just keep rolling for Crystal Palace fans. It looks increasingly likely that Jean-Philippe Mateta will leave this window – the real question is where he ends up.
A host of Italian clubs are reportedly interested, but none have yet matched Palace’s £40 million valuation.
Nottingham Forest are said to have submitted a £35 million bid, but for me, this is a complete non-starter.
Firstly, Palace are firm on their asking price, so that offer carries very little weight. Secondly, they would almost certainly prefer not to strengthen another Premier League side.
Factor in the ongoing tension between the two clubs over recent European competition drama, and it’s safe to say Palace have little interest in doing business with Evangelos Marinakis.
If that somehow isn’t enough, Mateta himself has reportedly made it clear he wants a club capable of offering consistent Champions League football.
Forest, meanwhile, look more likely to be Championship football next season.
If Mateta moves anywhere, Italy feels inevitable. AC Milan would be my best guess.
JHON DURÁN
Yes – the former Aston Villa super-sub who decided the Premier League didn’t pay enough is being linked with a return to England.
Currently enduring a largely underwhelming loan spell at Fenerbahçe, Jhon Durán is reportedly being offered around by intermediaries.
Still just 22, the Colombian striker has plenty of time on his side, and a Premier League return could be ideal – if he’s guaranteed minutes.
Tottenham and Leeds are said to be leading the race. I could see him landing at either club before the window shuts, but Spurs feels like the better fit for both player and club.
ONES FOR THE RUBBISH PILE
Curtis Jones to Inter Milan – Liverpool won’t weaken mid-season. Summer move at the earliest.
Jérémy Jacquet to Chelsea/Liverpool – Both need defensive reinforcements, but this screams summer business.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Manchester City – I can’t believe I had to type this… NEXT.
Mohamed Salah to the Saudi Pro League – Not now. Almost certainly in the summer.
Josh Sargent to Leeds/Sunderland – Appears keen on a return to the land of cheeseburgers and questionable spelling. MLS it is.
Diogo Dalot to Real Madrid – If this happens, I’m dusting off my boots.
Now you know what to keep an eye on – and what to completely ignore – make sure you check back to Transfer News Blitz throughout deadline day on Monday for all your latest transfer news, without the bull****.
READ NEXT: Danny Murphy weighs in on Liverpool’s transfer woes and Mo Salah’s Anfield future
