The January transfer window is in full swing, with clubs across the UK and Europe scrambling to finalise deals before the deadline. Daily Mail Sport's Simon Jones provides the latest updates on a flurry of activity, from Crystal Palace's imminent signing to stalled negotiations and surprise moves.
Eagles Set to Secure Guessand in Major Forward Move
Crystal Palace are on the verge of completing a significant loan deal for Aston Villa striker Evann Guessand, with a mandatory obligation to buy for £28 million in the summer contingent on a specific number of appearances being met. Guessand travelled overnight and is scheduled to undergo his medical examination today, signalling the advanced stage of negotiations.
This development has effectively halted Palace's earlier pursuit of Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen. Intermediaries, including the influential agent Jorge Mendes, had verbally agreed in principle to a package worth £45 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons for Larsen. However, Palace opted not to formalise the offer, pivoting their focus to Guessand instead.
The South London club's urgency for attacking reinforcement stems from the potential departure of Jean-Philippe Mateta, following rejected bids from Nottingham Forest. Palace anticipate further offers for Mateta as the window progresses. In a related midfield move, Nottingham Forest have seen a £20 million bid for Brighton's Yasin Ayari turned down.
Zinchenko's Permanent Switch to Ajax Nears Completion
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is due to arrive in Amsterdam on Friday to undergo a medical ahead of a permanent transfer to Ajax. The Ukrainian international had his loan spell at Nottingham Forest cut short to facilitate this move.
Initially structured as a loan, the deal has been converted to a permanent transfer valued at £1.2 million, with additional performance-related add-ons linked to Ajax qualifying for the Champions League. This adjustment aligns with Dutch regulations concerning work permits for non-EU players, ensuring a smoother transition for the experienced left-back.
Fulham's Striker Search Hits Roadblock with Pepi
Fulham's attempts to sign PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi have reached an impasse, with the two clubs reportedly around £800,000 apart in their valuation. PSV are keen to secure a replacement before sanctioning the sale, but time is running out in the window.
Pepi himself is content to remain at the Dutch club until the summer if an agreement cannot be reached. In light of this stalemate, Fulham are evaluating alternative options, including Genk's South Korean international striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, who has netted ten goals in thirty appearances this season.
Additional Transfer Developments Across the League
Chelsea and West Ham Activity: Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is close to joining West Ham United on a loan deal. The Hammers have also made an enquiry for Atalanta's Polish international midfielder Nicola Zalewski. Meanwhile, Chelsea are holding further talks with Rennes in their bid to sign highly-rated young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, though the French club are reluctant to sell the £56 million-rated twenty-year-old before the summer.
Wolves' Scouting Mission: Wolverhampton Wanderers have held discussions with FC Basel regarding winger Philip Otele and versatile defender Jonas Adjetey. In separate news, talks over the transfer of Emmanuel Agbadou to Besiktas have stalled due to a fee disagreement, though the Turkish side may revive negotiations as their window remains open until February 11th.
Loan Moves Dominate Lower Leagues: Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Imray is set to join West Bromwich Albion on loan. Sunderland defender Aji Alese has moved to Portsmouth on a temporary basis. Wrexham have made an approach for Ipswich Town forward Sammie Szmodics, while experienced defender Conor Coady, aged 32, has joined Charlton Athletic. Bradford City are closing in on a loan agreement with Wrexham for striker Paul Mullin.
Confirmed and Pending Deals: Leicester City have officially confirmed that midfielder Boubakary Soumaré has joined Qatari side Al Duhail. Watford are close to agreeing a loan deal for Manchester City's seventeen-year-old left-back Stephen Mfuni. In League One, Derby County have secured the loan signing of Burnley winger Jaydon Banel.
