With just one week remaining before the winter transfer window closes, speculation is intensifying as Premier League clubs weigh up late moves to address weaknesses for the run-in.
Some sides are seeking additional quality to sustain pushes for European qualification, while others are focused on survival, looking for players capable of providing an immediate impact at the bottom of the table.
The January window opened on 1 January and closes on 2 February at 19:00 GMT. With time running out, several high-profile names continue to be linked with moves in and out of England’s top flight.
Current club: Crystal Palace Potential destinations: Juventus, Aston Villa, AC Milan, Tottenham
Jean-Philippe Mateta appears increasingly likely to be on the move after informing Crystal Palace of his desire to leave, with the club open to offers for the French forward.
Despite signing a contract extension just over a year ago, the 28-year-old has only 18 months remaining on his deal. Juventus and Aston Villa are believed to be at the front of the queue, with Palace valuing Mateta at around £40m.
The timing of any sale is delicate. Mateta is Palace’s leading scorer, and the club are enduring a turbulent period that has included a dramatic FA Cup exit, the departure of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, and confirmation that manager Oliver Glasner will leave in the summer following public criticism of the club’s hierarchy.
Although Palace have built enough of a cushion to avoid immediate relegation danger, a prolonged downturn in form could turn a season currently buoyed by Europa Conference League involvement into a fraught finale.
Current club: Wolverhampton Wanderers Potential destinations: Leeds, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace
After resisting interest from Newcastle United last summer, Wolves now appear resigned to losing Jørgen Strand Larsen.
With 15 league matches remaining, Wolves sit bottom of the table and effectively 18 points from safety, making relegation a near certainty. As a result, interest from Leeds, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace is intensifying.
The 25-year-old Norway international has averaged a goal every 3.5 games across his club career and would represent a relatively low-risk attacking addition for sides seeking reinforcements before the deadline.
Current club: Roma (on loan at Besiktas) Potential destination: Aston Villa
Tammy Abraham has emerged as a strong candidate for a return to Aston Villa following a season largely spent on loan at Besiktas.
Still just 28, the England striker enjoyed a prolific spell at Villa Park during the 2018–19 campaign, helping the club secure promotion via the Championship play-offs.
With Villa allowing Donyell Malen to join Roma, bringing in Abraham or another forward could serve both sporting and financial objectives, helping maintain squad depth while navigating profit and sustainability regulations.
Current club: Nottingham Forest Potential destinations: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United
A January move for Elliot Anderson now looks unlikely, but interest in the England midfielder remains strong.
Manchester United have tracked the 23-year-old for several months, and with Casemiro set to depart Old Trafford in the summer, Anderson fits the profile of player targeted for a midfield refresh.
Manchester City and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation, though Nottingham Forest would almost certainly demand a fee well above the £35m they paid for him in 2024.
Current club: Al-Hilal Potential destinations: Manchester United, Real Madrid
Links between Ruben Neves and Manchester United have gathered momentum, and the move makes strategic sense if United are looking to add midfield experience.
The 28-year-old boasts extensive Premier League pedigree from his time at Wolves, Champions League exposure with Porto, and international experience with Portugal.
With a reported asking price of around £20m, Neves would offer leadership, tactical intelligence and immediate familiarity with English football.
Current club: Manchester United Potential destinations: Roma, Napoli
Joshua Zirkzee’s spell at Manchester United has failed to gain traction since his £36.5m move in the summer of 2024.
The Netherlands forward has scored five goals in 46 Premier League appearances and has yet to feature under interim head coach Michael Carrick, having also struggled for opportunities under Ruben Amorim.
Despite this, his reputation remains strong in Italy, with both Roma and Napoli monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation.
Current club: AC Milan Potential destination: Aston Villa
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be set for a Premier League return amid growing links with Aston Villa.
The AC Milan midfielder was recalled to the England squad in September after a six-year absence but was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent selection.
With Villa dealing with midfield injuries, a move could provide Loftus-Cheek with regular exposure at a high level and a platform to re-establish himself in international contention.
Current club: Vasco da Gama Potential destination: Bournemouth
Bournemouth appear close to securing 19-year-old winger Rayan as a potential successor to Antoine Semenyo.
The Brazil Under-20 international, who made his senior debut for Vasco da Gama at 16, has been likened to Vinicius Jr in his homeland. Bournemouth are believed to have beaten off competition from clubs in Russia and the Saudi Pro League for his signature.
Current club: West Ham United Potential destination: Flamengo
Speculation continues to grow that Lucas Paquetá will finally complete a return to Flamengo, where his professional career began.
The Brazilian club have reportedly offered more than €41m (£35.5m) for the 28-year-old midfielder. With West Ham winning three consecutive matches for the first time since 2023 without Paquetá, the timing may suit all parties to conclude a deal before the deadline.
