606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

By Jonathan Stevenson

PREMIER LEAGUE TRANSFER TRACKER:
In: Chelsea (Quaresma), Everton (Jo), Fulham (Dacourt, Gray), Newcastle (Taylor), Portsmouth (Basinas), Stoke (Camara), Sunderland (Davenport), Tottenham (Keane), West Brom (Menseguez, Mulumbu), Wigan (N'Zogbia)

Out: Chelsea (Smith, Tejera), Fulham (Leijer,Teymourian), Liverpool (Gulacsi, Hamill, Keane), Man City (Jo), Man Utd (Chester), Newcastle (N'Zogbia), Portsmouth (Hyland), Sunderland (Chopra), Tottenham (Pekhart), West Ham (Davenport), Wigan (Camara, Taylor)

SPL TRANSFER TRACKER:
In: Dundee United (Caddis), Hamilton (Quinn), Inverness (Kerr)

Out: Celtic (Caddis), Hearts (Berra, Mole), Hibernian (Shiels), Inverness (Cowie), Rangers (Adam, Gow)

2000: That's it, we can wait no longer. You're going to have to keep coming back to the website to find out if Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin has really joined Arsenal or not, because right now, no-one knows if that deal is complete. Thanks for your company today, it's been a hoot. Now go outside and enjoy the snow - goodness knows you've been here long enough.

1955: More business to wrap up, as Czech Republic Under-21 striker Tomas Pekhart has left Tottenham to join Slavia Prague on a 12-month loan deal.

1954: As we suggested earlier, Real Mallorca have swooped to sign Spanish Under-17 midfielder Sergio Tejera, 18, from Chelsea.

1953: I'm going to quit in seven minutes. Arsene, if you're reading this, please tell us. Please.

1950: If only the Premier League could have packed Mike Riley off to the Austrian Bundesliga for a few months after his embarrassing performance at Anfield yesterday.
Bosingwa escapes FA disciplinary

1947: "My brother working in Moscow says Arshavin has joined Arsenal for four years for £12.5m. It has just been announced on Moscow radio news."
James from Essex, via text on 81111

1944: Transfer snap: Sunderland have signed defender Calum Davenport on loan from West Ham until the end of the season. Maybe they were just all having tea...

1942: Andrei Arshavin's agent has told us the Russian's move to Arsenal is "more or less" complete. Apparently, I'm devastated to tell you, "tomorrow we will find out for sure if it's gone through," says Dennis Lachter, who must be well acquainted with every single football journalist in England by now. I am so, so sorry. Honestly I am.

1938: As it stands, only 11 players have joined Premier League clubs today. And five of them were already in the English top flight. Must be the credit crunch. Either that, or the chairmen were too busy playing in the snow to notice what day it was.

1936: "What is it with Arsenal? Remember the saga that was Cole v Gallas that dragged on into the wee small hours of 1 September all those years ago? Perhaps it's just the Arsenal way... having a laugh at our expense."
Jonnersace on 606
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1931: Sorry to offend you, Gunners fans, but Arsenal are officially a rubbish deadline day club. I just don't think it's good protocol to drag something out for more than two-and-a-half hours. People have got lives to be getting on with (see below). Not me, obviously. I live for this.

1928: "Come on Arshavin! Tell us if you're going or tell us if you're not, I'm going mad, I need to know. I've had 11 texts from mates asking why I'm not with every single one of my classmates out in the snow, to which I've replied, I need to know if Arshavin is moving or not!"
Stu, Glasgow, via text on 81111

1924: By the way, if you want a full list of today's transfers, here it is. I'm sure it's not quite as long as August's, but it's unfair to compare. What a day that was. What a day.
Transfers - February 2009

1922: Come on Andrei, put me out of my misery.

1918: Miguel Veloso's agent Paulo Barbosa reveals that Newcastle also made an offer for the midfielder, but Sporting rejected that as well as two bids from Bolton. They must really like him. "This is what a footballer's life is like," mused Barbosa.

1915: "Still waiting for news that Liverpool have signed Javier Saviola or David Villa or Fred? Someone? Anyone!? Surely in such an important season they cannot have sold Keane and left us with Ngog's raw potential..."
Jbran, Oldham, via text on 81111

1912: Poor Javier Saviola. The little Real Madrid striker will spend the next five months in a familiar situation, probably warming the bench at the Bernabeu, after his supposed move to the Premier League did not come off once again. Will the Argentine ever find a club that will give him some football?

1908: Watford have signed left-winger Aleksandrs Cauna, 21, on loan for the rest of the season from Skonto Riga, as well as midfielder Don Cowie, 25, on a more permanent deal for a nominal fee.

1906: "This Arshavin deal is the most twisting deal I've ever experienced as an Arsenal supporter. One minute everything is done, the next it's not and is hanging by a thread. Just so tense every time I hear Arshavin's name on the TV."
(I am NOT the next Messi)PaceyVision of Theo Fabregas on 606
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Well, at least you now know how the other half (Spurs) live.

1903: Oxford United have completed the signing of Simon Clist from Forest Green Rovers for a nominal fee, while Michael Carr, who was unattached, has joined Kidderminster.

1900: So, it's just Arsenal, Andrei Arshavin, you lot and me. Don't be Russian off anywhere just yet.

1858: Anyone else think that's a bit of a panic purchase from Luis Felipe Scolari? I'm not sure the frustratingly inconsistent Quaresma is the answer for Chelsea - or if he is, I'm not entirely sure what the question is. If Jose Mourinho can't get the best out of someone, there's something wrong going on.

1856: Transfer snap: Chelsea have signed Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma on loan from Italian giants Inter Milan until the end of the season.

1854: "If we can get Quaresma, I will carry the absolutely shocking Malouda myself all the way back to Lyon free of charge."
George, a waiting Chelsea fan, London, via text on 81111

1851: Another news agency are now suggesting Andrei Arshavin has signed for Arsenal and he will stay at the Emirates until June 2012. Again, we do not have confirmation of that.

1849: "How are negotiations still going on almost two hours after the deadline?"
YankeeGunnerFan on 606
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Maybe an email/fax got delayed by the snow. Catch my drift?

1847: Southend United striker Charles Ademeno has joined Blue Square Premier side Salisbury City on loan until the end of the season.

1846: Andrei Arshavin latest: "Both clubs definitely want to complete the transfer, therefore the negotiations are still going," Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov has told local Russian television. Oh I love a deadline day saga, don't you?

1844: More updates from the lower leagues: Utility man Richard Naylor has gone from Ipswich to Leeds on a free and Lee Novak moves from Gateshead to Huddersfield for an undisclosed fee.

1841: Robbie Keane has joined Tottenham for an initial £12m before rising with add-ons and the 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract at White Hart Lane.

1839: Reading's Stephen Hunt was heavily tipped to be leaving the Madejski Stadium today, but he looks like he'll be staying for a bit longer. The Royals had anticipated keeping hold of all their players today, and they might just have been proved right.

1836: So, we're waiting for two deals, two deals that may or may not have happened. Chelsea's attempt to sign Ricardo Quaresma from Inter Milan is one, and the other is Arsenal's now protracted effort to bag Zenit's Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin. If neither of them signs, I'd be right proper gutted.

1834: Bear with me, my computer keeps crashing.

1829: "(See 1816) Two words: Carlos. Tevez."
Dan, London, via text on 81111

1826: Arsenal's FA Cup replay with Cardiff will now take place on Monday, 16 February, after tomorrow's game was postponed.

1823: Is it just me, or was it a lot more fun when the transfer window slammed shut at midnight? I'd like to ask the Premier League, the Football Association, Fifa and Uefa to change it back so that on Monday, 31 August, we can have another all-dayer. This part of proceedings should be 0130 GMT, not now.

1820: As plenty of you have pointed out, Liverpool do indeed host Robbie Keane's Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday 24 May, the last day of the Premier League season. For the neutral, that could be a very lively afternoon.
Keane seals dramatic Spurs return

1818: Still, at least I haven't sat here for another deadline day shift without Forest even getting close to signing anyone. Oh, hang on...

1816: "Regardless of whether he does or doesn't sign now, this is the most pathetic transfer saga of all time."
goonerthruall on 606
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Behave.

1812: I wonder where Andrei Arshavin is? Maybe having a sip of vodka in north London with his Euro 2008 partner-in-crime Roman Pavlyuchenko? The wait must be as agonising for him as it is for us. Something may well be announced quite soon though, we're hearing. Go on Arsenal.

1810: Sheffield United have secured a deal to take former Arsenal striker Arturo Lupoli, 21, on loan from Italian team Fiorentina on loan until the end of the season.

1807: "If we get an undisclosed from Spurs for Keane, it means it was less than £10m. As a Ltd company, anything over £10m has to be declared on the the stock market."
Arthur, north London, via text on 81111

1804: Sporting Lisbon have revealed they rejected two offers from Bolton for midfielder Miguel Veloso, while his agent also says that Man City were also interested in the Portuguese. Course they were.

1802: England legend Terry Butcher has made his third signing as Inverness manager after ending former Motherwell midfielder Brian Kerr's exile from first-team football.

1800: Got anywhere else to go? Didn't think so. Got anything else to do? Didn't think so. The transfer window might have shut, but deadline day is far from finished yet.

1757: Leyton Orient have completed the signing of young Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith - he'll stay at Brisbane Road on loan until the end of the season.

1755: Haha. (See 1320) So far, we haven't even got an undisclosed for Robbie Keane's switch from Liverpool to Spurs. We understand £15m and that sounds about right - nice little loan move for Tottenham that turned out to be.

1752: "Who needs Arshavin when you have Eboue?"
eboateng on 606
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1750: One of our intrepid reporters just spoke to Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood. "No news for you," he was told by the Gunners supremo. Sorry.

1748: Scottish Premier League side Hearts have loaned forward Jamie Mole to Dunfermline until the end of the season.

1747: Arsenal fans - don't look again. Reuters are now saying that Andrei Arshavin's transfer has been called off. Back to Russia, then, for the man who so enchanted us during Euro 2008.

1745: "We don't want to sell our young players," a Man City spokesperson told BBC Sport a few moments ago when asked about Michael Johnson. Also, we can confirm that there was no movement whatsoever between Man City and Blackburn over a potential deal for Roque Santa Cruz today. The last contact those clubs had over the striker was last week.

1742: Championship strugglers Southampton have made a deadline day swoop for Hungarian defender Zoltan Liptak, 24, from Ujpest FC.

1741: Both Portuguese and Italian press are saying that Ricardo Quaresma to Chelsea from Inter Milan is a done deal, but we are very much yet to hear that from either club, so we'll keep you posted.

1738: Manchester City are reported to have rejected an £8m approach from Newcastle for young midfielder Michael Johnson, who hasn't played for Mark Hughes' team since November.

1735: Arsenal fans, what are you thinking? If Andrei Arshavin doesn't sign, is that season over?

1733: "It was a difficult decision to leave Tottenham in the first place," says Robbie Keane. Hmm. Really?

1731: Transfer snap: Robbie Keane has rejoined Tottenham from Liverpool. That is official.

1728: Nervous, nervous moments for Arsenal fans, these. The Associated Press are saying Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov believes the deal for Andrei Arshavin has broken down. We are awaiting confirmation, though.

1724: "Stevo, I honestly believe City have avoided business today because Mark Hughes is on his way. The money will instead be spent by a better manager in the summer - let's hope so."
David, Cheshire, via text on 81111

1721: Arsenal fans, don't look: One of our news agencies is claiming that Zenit and the Gunners have failed to reach a deal on the transfer of Andrei Arshavin. It is only one source, though, so we will try and get more on that as and when we have it.

1719: We can confirm that Giovani dos Santos is not going to Portsmouth, so the Mexican youngster will be hoping for a bit more action at Spurs from now until the end of the season.

1717: Transfer snap: We have our first beat-the-deadline signing: West Brom have swooped to sign 24-year-old Argentine winger Juan Carlos Menseguez from San Lorenzo on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.

1715: "Do you think I can get a refund on my Keane number seven Liverpool shirt? Has only been worn 19 times. "As New" condition."
ZorbaTheKopite on 606
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1711: Derby defender Claude Davis has joined Championship rivals Crystal Palace on a loan deal - he played for Blades boss Neil Warnock at Sheffield United.

1710: Sunderland striker Michael Chopra has gone back to his spiritual home, Cardiff City, on loan until the end of the season.

1709: Hot on the heels of the best one, is this the worst transfer deadline day ever?

1707: "According to the Portuguese press Quaresma has been loaned out to Chelsea till the end of the season."
Luis, via text on 81111

1704: Breaking news: The Football Association has confirmed that no disciplinary action will be taken against Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa for his challenge on Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun on Sunday.

So, physical assault on the football field is acceptable, but winning a tackle (Frank Lampard) is a red card offence. Pathetic.

1702: Just to clarify - I'm not going anywhere. An awful lot might yet happen.

1700: THE TRANSFER WINDOW HAS CLOSED (except for deals where clubs can prove the weather has impacted on their ability to finish a deal).

1658: Robbie Keane and Andrei Arshavin are both going to move to north London, it's probably just a question of when Tottenham and Arsenal announce the deals. I'm not going anywhere until they do.

1656: Tick, tick, tick...

1655: Wigan's Olivier Kapo says he wants to leave the JJB: "If I stay at Wigan, I will have a blank year. It is the worst moment of my career." I dunno, maybe he should have said something sooner?

1653: "Is Quaresma the 'Where's Wally?' of transfer deadlines?"
Chris from Liverpool, via text on 81111

1651: Rotherham have completed the signing of striker Jamie Clarke from Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

1648: Chelsea have told us they are not expecting anyone in or out before the transfer window closes, so rumours of a deal for Inter's Ricardo Quaresma are wide of the mark.

1647: Watford have completed the signing of Inverness midfielder Don Cowie, 25, for a nominal fee.

1646: "Not long to go and no centre-back arriving at City. That is all we need, but Mr Hughes is so clever, he managed to sign a striker we don't like, a midfielder we don't need and a goalkeeper to ensure we keep killing every young talent we have at City. Well done Mr Hughes."
sweetSubsea on 606
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1642: If I were a Liverpool fan, I'd want pictures on the club website of Fernando Torres literally wrapped up in cotton wool, because if he gets injured, their season is over. Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog up front? Fergie will be laughing into his Portuguese wine.

1639: Birmingham have extended the loan spell of Chelsea wide boy Scott Sinclair until the end of the season.

1637: Getting a very strong vibe on 606 and on the texts about Liverpool signing David Villa, which is keeping me amused even though it won't happen.

1634: Transfer snap: Fulham sign former Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt on loan until the end of the season from Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan.

1633: "From a well-respected source, Burnley's Chris Eagles is to sign for Everton, with Andy van der Meyde going in his place in a swap deal. You heard it here first."
Ian, stuck in a lecture in Liverpool Uni, via text on 81111

1630: There is just half an hour left on transfer deadline day.

1629: JJR informs me that Spurs full-back (how many have they got?) Chris Gunter is set to join Championship side Preston North End on loan.

1628: Yassin_the_assasin on 606 is asking about a potential Charlton bid for Watford's Jay DeMerit. We heard that too, but the Charlton chairman told us he'd not heard of anything doing.

1625: Are Zenit the hardest club in the world to do business with? Seems like it. Months after Andrei Arshavin's move to Spurs was scuppered, he could be about to get tantalisingly close to a north London switch once again without success. Are the Russians still holding out for half of the signing-on fee?

1623: "Latest news on Keane and Liverpool is that an agreement has been made with Valencia over David Villa. This is why Liverpool are letting Keane leave. Villa and Torres up front, now that would scare me."
Boxhead91 on 606
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1620: "I didn't want to play under that manager anymore. I was really unhappy under Joe Kinnear," said Charles N'Zogbia after his move from Newcastle to Wigan. Not surprising, after he was called Charlie Insomnia in a telly interview. No more Zog on the Tyne.

1618: If anyone is in the vicinity of Forest boss Billy Davies, please ask him to sign at least one player today. He'll make a very sad text commentator very happy indeed.

1615: Andrei Arshavin has passed his medical at Arsenal, so he is very, very close now to completing his move from Zenit. I cannot wait to see that little genius from Euro 2008 in the Premier League.

1615: "Betting on Santa Cruz has just gone crazy!"
David, Colchester, via text on 81111

Hmm. Is the Paraguayan striker off to the City of Manchester Stadium after all?

1613: Transfer snap: West Brom have snapped up midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, 21, on loan from Paris St Germain until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

1611: "Denilson on his way to Newcastle on loan for rest of season - was already a done deal, pending Arshavin deal."
Lameduck at SJP, via text on 81111

1608: I wonder what Tottenham striker Darren Bent is up to right now...

1606: So, are Robbie Keane and Andrei Arshavin going to be the big deals of the day, or is there a left-field crackerjack we don't even know about yet. Lets hope so.

1604: "Thanks Arsenal for the snow. Arshavin said the UK was to warm and he would miss the snow. Looks like Arsenal have taken massive measures to make him sign!"
MontyPanesar on 606
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1601: See 1554 - duh, Denilson's number 15. So where is the Brazilian going...

1600: ONE HOUR TO GO UNTIL THE TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES

1558: This just in from BBC Radio 5 Live's Mike Sewell: "Arsenal and Zenit have agreed a fee and I understand personal terms have also been agreed and Andrei Arshavin is having a medical this afternoon. But there is a but, as Zenit want half of his signing-on fee for signing for Arsenal. That is now the sticking point." Hmm. They've got (weather permitting) 62 minutes to sort it out.

1556: Meanwhile in the Football League's basement, Chesterfield defender Phil Picken has extended his loan stay with Notts County until the end of the season.

1556: Liverpool have confirmed they have "agreed a deal" with Tottenham for the transfer of Robbie Keane back to White Hart Lane.

1554: "I work in the Arsenal club shop and have done 20 Arshavin shirts with squad number 15 - my manager has given us the go ahead."
John G from the Emirates, via text on 81111

1551: Transfer snap: Newcastle have signed defender Ryan Taylor from Wigan.

1549: League Two update: 19-year-old Reading keeper Alex McCarthy and Cheltenham Town midfielder Andy Lindegaard have both joined Aldershot on a month's loan.

1547: Breaking news: Wigan have signed talkative French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia from Newcastle on a three-and-a-half year contract. That deal is a definite and is in no way dependent on Ryan Taylor joining the Magpies.

1547: Movement: Hamilton Academicals have signed midfielder Rocco Quinn on loan from Scottish Premier League rivals Celtic until the end of the season. Also, the Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam has joined Championship side Blackpool on loan until the end of the season. The 23-year-old has fallen out of first-team favour at Ibrox.

1545: Are you lot still playing in the snow? You do know there are only 75 minutes left for teams to save their seasons, don't you? Look at the list of transfers so far, above. It's pathetic, isn't it? Surely it's going to explode at some stage. Surely.

1541: I heard earlier that Andrei Arshavin was driving up to Manchester to have a medical at City, after growing frustrated with Arsenal's attempts to purchase him. I love that story, because you can imagine it being true. It probably isn't, though.

1539: According to my mate Pearlo (see 1437), the Holdsworth brothers have signed over 30 players for their respective clubs (Newport and Mansfield), having been employed for a joint total of seven months. Rob Duffy, brother of Wales cap Richard, has played for both twins this season. If only the Holdsworths were in the Premier League.

1536: I'm still reeling from the fact that Forest aren't even good enough to sign Dele Adebola. That might take some recovering from, I can tell you.

1533: "I've got a prediction for you: Man City to come alive and sign an absurdly expensive superstar, but the news won't come through until after 1700."
Fifecanary on 606
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1530: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan confirms that Charles Insomnia is about to sign for the Latics from Newcastle, with Wigan's Ryan Taylor currently having a medical at St James' Park as he prepares to move the other way. That's a shame - I love the fact that defender Taylor, who hardly ever scores, has bagged four of his last six goals against Newcastle.

1527: Arsenal have confirmed that teenage defender Paul Rodgers' loan at League One side Northampton has been extended until 2 May. "Cobblers," I hear you cry. No, it's true.

1525: Fulham defender Elliot Omozusi has been recalled to Craven Cottage after a loan spell with Championship side Norwich. The clubs came to a mutual agreement over Omozusi's return to Fulham, who have agreed to let Australian centre-half Adrian Leijer move to Carrow Road on loan until the end of the current campaign.

1523: No news on Real Madrid's perennially out-of-favour Argentine striker Javier Saviola today either. I can't believe more clubs don't want to take a chance on that boy - for about half the price Man City paid for Craig Bellamy. Saviola was linked with Liverpool, Tottenham and Portsmouth, but nothing so far.

1520: "Kev the kitman has told me that Niko Kranjcar has signed for Arsenal and is on loan to Pompey until the end of the season."
Steve in Waterlooville, via text on 81111

Believable - just. He'd be a lovely signing for Arsenal, too.

1517: Portsmouth's 19-year-old Trinidad & Tobago defensive midfielder Khaleem Hyland has signed on a six-month loan for Belgian club Zulte Waregem. How can you be a defensive midfielder at only 19? That's borderline farcical. Maybe he'll learn how to play in a normal midfield position while he's in Belgium.

1515: See 1507: We can update that to tell you Fulham are saying they have signed Julian Gray on a permanent contract from Coventry, until the end of the season. That counts as a proper deal, and I'm having it. I'm even bolding him up.

1514: Andrei Arshavin's agent tells us this breaking news: "There's nothing new I can tell you" Oh. Rumour has it that his on-off-on-off move to Arsenal could be a goer after all. That's better, Gunners - now you're playing. Stay tuned.

1512:Championship Mole has just sent me some odds on Stephen Hunt - the bookies are big-time backing him to be a Premier League player by tonight, probably at Spurs, but possibly at Wigan. "They're not often wrong are they?" says moley. No my friend, they aren't. More's the pity.

1511: Lower league latest: Wycombe Wanderers have completed the signing of Crawley Town striker John-Paul Pittman for an undisclosed fee and Burnley midfielder Steve Jones has extended his loan spell with Bradford City until the end of the season.

1510: "Quaresma is rubbish. Decent in the small-time Portuguese league but useless everywhere else. He won the coveted 'Golden Bin' award for the worst player in Serie A recently."
mermoid on 606
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1507: Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has agreed a deal to keep Coventry winger Julian Gray at the club until the end of the season.

1505: Another colleague just spoke to Newcastle. They know nothing about an extraordinary proposed swap with Spurs of Obafemi Martins and Darren Bent. As for other possible signings today, we are told a big, fat zero. I'd continue to watch this space, however.

1503: Haha. One of my colleagues has just been slaughtered on the telephone by a high-ranking official at a Premier League club, all for ringing him today. "It is transfer deadline day you know," he roared. We wouldn't be ringing otherwise, I reckon. Harsh.

1500: TWO HOURS TO GO UNTIL THE TRANSFER WINDOW LARGELY CLOSES

1458: "Just seen Quaresma outside White Hart Lane with a mass of bodyguards. Get in, what a signing."
Lillywhite8, via text on 81111

1455: Just seen pictures of Jo at Everton. What hair. He and Marouane Fellaini will make quite a combination.

1453: Leeds United have signed highly-rated American striker Mike Grella, 22, on a permanent contract. League One gold.

1449: Championship Mole rears his ugly head once more: "With Henri Camara following James Beattie to Stoke, where does that leave summer record signing Dave Kitson? Out in the cold, that's where. And no-one wants to be out in the cold on a day like today. I whiff the opportunity of a confidence-building Championship loan move for the flame-haired striker." He might just be right, you know.

1447: The plot thickens: I've had an email from a Swedish punter, telling us that according to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, an experienced Swedish player is about to sign for an English club. That's the most brilliantly vague chat I've heard yet.

1444: League One side Hartlepool have signed Norwegian striker Rune Lange on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move. Jeff Stelling will be pleased. Apparently, Trabzonspor paid £4m for the Norwegian international in 2000, who won his only cap against Wales in 2004.

1442: "I'm a United fan, but can I praise Moyes for a sec? Not only a great manager, but shrewd in the market as well. Jo could prove a quality deal, good on him! Is he Cup-tied?"
JonesyNo1 on 606
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Yep, he is. He missed a sitter towards the end of their third round defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. That was his last appearance, in fact.

1439: West Ham tell BBC Sport they are not expecting anything to come in to the club today, but they do expect defender Calum Davenport to be on his way out of Upton Park. He is due to have a medical at Sunderland today.

1437: Non-league update: Mansfield boss David Holdsworth makes his 10th and 11th signings in just over one month in charge - the glamorously named Gianluca Havern, formerly of Stockport, and Luxembourg-born Scott Gardner join the Stags revolution.

1436: The Football League have had their say on the deadline day extension: "We've not had any clubs indicate any issues so far, so at the moment the five o'clock deadline will proceed as planned."

1434: German side Schalke have rubbished reports they might be about to offload Brazilian-born striker Kevin Kuranyi to Tottenham. "It is simply wrong to say that we want to sell Kevin," said Schalke manager Andreas Mueller.

1432: Some teams are getting rid of a fortune today. Italian club Brescia in particular, who have sent former Manchester United utility man Quinton Fortune out on loan to Belgian Jupiler League club AFC Tubiz.

1430: Stoke hitman Henri Camara has spoken of his need to be playing first-team football: "I hope the Wigan fans understand I need to play. I had a wasted year at West Ham - and I have spent most of this season on the bench. The Wigan fans have been magnificent - I will never forget that, and the club will always stay in my heart." Ahhhhhhhhhh.

1427: Transfer snap: Everton sign Jo on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.

1426: "(See 1413) I disagree about Westwood being good for Newcastle. He's a terrible, terrible keeper. Truly awful. I think they should leave him be."
Karl in Coventry, via text on 81111

1423: Brighton have signed Oldham striker Craig Davies for an undisclosed fee. That's great League One chat that is.

1421: Personally, I think they should have just extended the deadline until midnight or something - that would have given everyone longer to complete their deals. Now, it strikes me that this is open to all sorts of conjecture. I wouldn't be surprised if a few deals took a bit longer to go through.

1419: This has just dropped on our wires: The Premier League has announced it will grant applications from clubs to complete transactions after the 1700 deadline today if there is email confirmation from the two clubs involved that a deal has been agreed in principle. The club signing the player must also satisfy the board that the prevailing weather conditions have prevented the signing from being completed by the deadline.

1417: More Championship chat to tell you of: Blackpool have signed Royal Antwerp midfielder Francesco Carratta on a free transfer and released Ian Harte. Whatever happened to Hartey? Remember when he scored a hat-trick of free-kicks for Leeds in a pre-season game once? Awesome.

1415: Someone on 606, a West Ham fan, just said they'd like to have Forest's Chris Cohen back at Upton Park for £250,000. As if, chancer. I'd rather sell you my old man. Cohen's priceless.

1413: "Anybody know if Westwood has signed for Newcastle United yet? I know he was having a medical earlier, but have heard no further reports."
CUFC_Mike on 606
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Coventry keeper? He's sensational, he'd be a great replacement for Shay Given.

1410: Transfer news: Henri Camara signs on loan for Stoke from Wigan until the end of the season. Is that just the start?

1408: My mate Pearlo rang me last night and left a message on my phone. "Happy Christmas Eve mate," was all it said. He's a Spurs fan, so this really is like 25 December. Except this year, it's turning out to be a bit like a Christmas you had not so long ago at all. Jermain Defoe, Pascal Chimbonda... now Robbie Keane? Bless that club and the joy they bring us.

1405: Do you think the clubs are expecting the deadline to be moved, or are most of them (wrongly) just happy with what they've got? Movement is what we need, and I don't mean more Greeks on the south coast.

1403: "Stoke are set to sign Joe Ledley today. He is currently at the Britannia Stadium discussing terms. Cardiff have accepted a reported £7m."
Lee, Stoke, via text on 81111

£7m? That's utterly ridiculous. He's not going to keep them up, is he?

1400: THREE HOURS TO GO UNTIL THE TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES (as it stands)

1358: Now hearing that Doncaster have paid Hibs a fee for striker Dean Shiels (see 1342). It's all going on.

1357: BBC Sport understands that Giovani dos Santos is currently having a medical at Portsmouth, and if he signs, Pompey will immediately become one of my favourite teams. I love that little lad - extravagantly talented but he's got a temper too, so watch out for that, Fratton faithful.

1354: "It's just started snowing again here in Sunderland. Can I have a transfer out of here please? PLEASE!"
eggchaser1977 on 606
Join the debate on 606

1351: Hammer blow for Blackburn, with the news that Australian midfielder Brett Emerton has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament problem. Big Sam's got just over three hours to replace him, should he so desire.

1349: Rumours abound (I love that phrase) that Giovani dos Santos, the Spurs winger, could be set to join Portsmouth today, probably on loan until the end of the season. I don't get it. Last season he was Lionel Messi's replacement, now he's third-choice right-winger at Spurs behind the consistently inconsistent Aaron Lennon and the ludicrously out-of-form David Bentley. What happened, Gio?

1345: "I am an executive chauffeur in north London and have just driven Andrei Arshavin to the Emirates."
Brian, via text on 81111

I hope you were careful, Brian, it's flurrying it down out there. On reflection, I probably shouldn't have cycled into work this morning. I was just too pumped.

1342: Latest from our Scotland desk: "Dean Shiels has joined Doncaster on loan. The Hibs striker has struggled to secure a regular first-team start under Mixu Paatelainen, despite scoring 31 goals in his four-and-a-half years at Easter Road."

1340: To follow up on that, these live updates will carry on for as long as they need to. I'm not setting a deadline, because frankly anything could happen today. We're here for the long haul, I hope you are too. Now get texting on 81111 and join the debate on 606.

1338: "Any news about extending the deadline?"
holland21 on 606
Join the debate on 606

None right now mate, but as soon as we know, you will too.

1335: More news from BBC sources - Stoke are set to complete the signing of Henri Camara from Wigan this afternoon, though we don't yet know if it is a loan or cash move.

1332: Over half an hour into my shift and there's been hardly any mention of Manchester City at all. What the blazes is going on? No Lionel Messi, no Cristiano Ronaldo, no Fernando Torres at Eastlands. Come on City, there's no point having all that cash if you're not going to entertain us with it.

1329: Robbie Keane to Tottenham will be a straight cash deal, we understand. Arsenal, if you're watching, just buy Andrei Arshavin, whatever he costs. Otherwise, you're going to finish fifth - at best. Can you afford not to?
Spurs launch £15m bid for Keane

1327: "(See 1308) As an Arsenal fan, I officially hate you for that. My heart leapt. Damn you :("
Kelly, bored at work, via text on 81111

1325: Can I introduce you to an old friend? It's only Championship Mole (getting a little above his station already, perhaps?): "If Hammill and Mifsud have just signed for Barnsley, it could spark a transfer domino affect which sees Jamal Campbell-Ryce head to Reading, filling the void left by Stephen Hunt's departure... to Spurs perhaps?" We'll have more from moley throughout the day.

1322: Liverpool have confirmed they are allowing Robbie Keaneto speak with Tottenham. Do you think he bagged a tail for the occasion to put firmly between his legs?

1320: "Is it just me or is it really annoying the amount of transfer fees that go down as 'undisclosed' these days?"
Mark, Aberdeen, via text on 81111

YES. Which is why I'm going to guess all the undisclosed fees from now on today. Are you with me? Shay Given, undisclosed? Why? Why don't Man City and Newcastle want to tell us he costs £6m?

1317: Portsmouth fans - Angelos Basinas? Tell me what you're thinking. I'm thinking relegation, unless some very, very good players join him at Fratton Park before the end of the day.

1315: Our intrepid team of reporters is doing a herculean job today. They've just found out that Charles Insomnia'sproposed move to Wigan from Newcastle will be completed this afternoon, if the results of his medical are good. Also, Miguel Veloso'sagent tells us that the Portuguese is staying at Sporting until the summer, as they have "rejected the offer from Bolton". I thought Gary Megson said money wasn't a problem?

1311: "Just been down to Everton's training ground. I'm in the know and have just seen Jo in the snow, five mins ago, what a pro. Fellaini's 'fro was a no-show though. There you go."
Chris, Liverpool, via text on 81111

It does feels like a day for rhyme/song, doesn't it? I might have a cheeky little number for you myself, later. Depends how many players Forest sign, I guess.

1308: Exciting news for Arsenal fans breaking... Theo Walcott (four weeks), Cesc Fabregas (six to eight weeks) and Tomas Rosicky (eight weeks) are on the brink of returning to first-team action. Sorry. I am, I'm sorry.

1305: BBC Radio 5 Live is reporting that Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruzis staying at Ewood Park. Boo, that's not very deadline day, is it? Might have guessed we'd hear something about Santa today...

1302: Brilliant effort from Fletch, that, I think you'll agree, I just wish he'd had more deals to feast on. I'm immediately hearing that Robbie Keane is having a medical in London ahead of a proposed £15m switch back to Tottenham after a horror spell with Liverpool. Lucky him.

1300: I wonder if Bing Crosby, in the great man's infinite wisdom, ever dreamed of a White Transfer Deadline Day? Probably not, but looking out of my window this morning, I couldn't help but wonder how many dreams would come true today. I hope yours do, whatever they are. Happy Football Day, punters.

By Paul Fletcher

1256: Well, that is just about it from me. I have been here since before seven this morning and only been able to report on a handful of transfers. Life is like that sometimes.

Jonathan Stevenson is moving into the hot seat now and will be your guide for the next four hours and more. I fully expect him to have a very busy afternoon.

Thanks for all your texts and 606s. You really have kept the day ticking along.

If you are at work I hope you get back OK. If work or school was cancelled. Wicked.

1254: Portsmouth have signed midfielder Angelos Basinas from AEK Athens on an 18-month contract. Can he help turn around the fortunes at Tony Adams's struggling side?

1251: I'm hearing that Stoke boss Tony Pulis will find out in an hour whether Henri Camara will join them from Wigan.

1249: "I'm not enjoying this transfer market."
Mancitycam on 606
Join the debate on 606

Sorry to hear that.

1244: Busy old Barnsley. They have signedAndranik Teymourian on loan from Fulham and wingerAdam Hammill on loan from Liverpool. They signed Michael Misfud from Coventry earlier in the day.

1243: "Fletch, I'm begging you for some semblance of transfer news with regards to Chelsea buying somebody. Please make it up if you have to but we need someone!
Nick, Oxford, via text on 81111

Sorry mate. I haven't heard a thing about Chelsea. Just not the big news in the transfer market at the moment.

1237: Brighton have beaten competition from several clubs to sign Stockport defender Jim McNulty.

1233: More from BBC reporter Ian Dennis on the Robbie Keane situation. Apparently if Keane returns to White Hart Lane it would be in a cash only deal, with no players involved in any sort of swap. The fee would be in the region of £15m and talks are ongoing.

Switching swiftly to Andrei Arshavin and Mike Sewell reports that the deal is not dead. The player is waiting in London while Arsenal and Zenit continue negotiations.

1230: Liverpool have loaned goalkeeperPeter Gulacsi to Hereford for the rest of the season.

1228: News of a transfer in the Championship. Wolves have completed the signing of defender Christophe Berra from Hearts on a four-and-a-half year deal.

1226: Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has moved to distance himself from reports that he is interested in signing Fabian Delph from Leeds.

"We're not looking for 19-year-olds like Delph who may be good some time in the future," said the Fulham boss.

1223: We are still waiting for further news on Jo. The Man City striker was spotted at Everton's training ground this morning and is set to join the club on loan.

1220: (See 1203) "Kasper Schmeichel to join QPR maybe, especially if Lee Camp joins Nottingham Forest as is expected? We are apparently in the market for a new keeper."
JL via text on 81111

"Tell Kasper Schmeichel that Forest could do with a keeper. Just don't tell him we'd prefer Lee Camp."
Dan, Notts, via text on 81111

1219: Defender Ian Harte has had his contract at Blackpool terminated by mutual consent.

1216: Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse has moved to rubbish rumours that he could be on his way out of Sunderland.

"I really need to put the record straight," Cisse told the Sunderland Echo in the wake of a story that he could be set to leave.

"I spoke a week ago with the chairman about my future. We're really positive - we are just waiting to make sure we stay in the Premier League, then we will make a decision."

1213: (See 1203) "Send Kasper to Carlisle we are in need of a good keeper."
Anonymous via text on 81111

"Can Kaspar join Yeovil Town? He may need to take a wage cut though!"
Anonymous via text on 81111

"My Sunday league side need a goalkeeper. If you could forward the agent's number that could give you some transfer news."
Dom, Gloucester, via text on 81111

"Fletch, Hereford are in desperate need of a keeper, as ours is woeful. Get Schmeichel's agent on the phone to Graham Turner!
Mark, waiting for signings or we're going down, Hereford, via text on 81111

1209: Andrei Arshavin and Robbie Keane. Perhaps the two top names being hotly tipped with deadline day moves.

Arshavin's move to Arsenal is looking increasingly unlikely, even if the Russian is in England at the moment.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has had this to say: "We don't need an instant saviour. I don't believe in them.

"If he doesn't join us I am not more pessimistic."

Doesn't sound overly optimistic does he?

1206: Oh dear Hull fans. It really does not look as though you will be signing defender Christian Panucci from Roma.

"Christian will remain at Roma and will respect his contract," said Panucci's agent Oscar Damiani.

"We haven't been able to reach an agreement, the offers we received were not considered good enough by the player."

1203: Kasper Schmeichel on the move? The Man City keeper's agent has confirmed to my colleague Chris Bevan that he is looking for a loan move.

In fact, check this sentence out:

"There is no news at the moment but we are still working hard. If you know of anybody who needs a goalkeeper at the last moment let me know."

Brilliant. Lets get Kasper a move.

1200: Just five hours left.....or is it? The will it, won't it close drama of the transfer window is becoming too much. Almost compensating for the more or less total lack of actual transfers.

1156: A little bit more information for you on the possibility of the transfer window being extended. It seems that clubs might be allowed to file the agreements of a transfer with the Premier League and then allowed to conclude the formalities later. However, these would be judged on a case-by-case basis.

1153: Former Everton and Leeds midfielder Oliver Dacourt is currently having a medical at Fulham. The transfer situation is gradually hotting up, though not the actual weather.

1150: Strong sources tell us that Chelsea's Scott Sinclair will extend his loan deal at Birmingham City, while Sergio Tejera will leave Stamford Bridge join Real Mallorca on loan.

1150: Hibernian say they have heard nothing more from Celtic since their initial move for Steven Fletcher was rebuffed on Friday.

The £3m rated striker reported for training this morning at Easter Road as normal and it remains to be seen whether Celtic will follow up their interest in the 21-year-old before the deadline.

1146: BBC reporter Ian Dennis claims that it is "very possible" that Robbie Keane will return to Spurs. No news on the future of Aaron Lennon though.

1143: Arsenal's FA Cup replay against Cardiff at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

1140: "Lets hope the deadline isn't extended. It's bad enough that they have already extended it to today from Saturday.

"I could understand the lengthy extra time if Fergie was involved but he has stated that United's business is already done."
Frelnik on 606
Join the debate on 606

Well as long as you and your team are OK then that's alright then.

1136: Some sketchy transfer deadline details. The Premier League are "exploring the possibility" of extending the deadline with Fifa and the Football Association. Nothing is clear yet but it could well be that deals will be able to go through after 1700. Watch this space.

1135: Matt Lockwood has joined Barnet on loan from Colchester. The Bees have also signed midfielder Mark Hughes from Chester.

1132: "Fletch there are lots of rumours that Michael Johnson and an £8m deal to Newcastle! Any news? GET INVOLVED!"
The 606 Member Formerly Known as 'The Zog' on 606
Join the debate on 606

No solid news, though I have heard that rumour as well.

1127: (See 1120)"Would love to see Gary Megson giving a team talk to Zidane: 'I don't care what you've won before - you're still not clapping your hands enough'."
CC via text on 81111

1125: More Forest news - Championship rivals Bristol City have turned down a bid for striker Dele Adebola.

1124: Rob Jones will not be leaving Hibernian for Nottingham Forest - unless the English side improve their offer for the defender.

BBC Scotland has learned that a six-figure offer has been rejected by the SPL club.

1122: Crazy talk. I obviously meant Uefa Cup and not Champions League squad at 1116. I think I just have a mental block on that one. My mind just assumes AC Milan are in the Champions League.

1120: "Zinedine Zidane is sensationally coming out of retirement to join Bolton until the end of the season."
rkblogger on 606
Join the debate on 606

I have heard some preposterous chat today but this is perhaps the best of the lot.

1116: David Beckham has been included in AC Milan's Uefa Cup squad. Coach Carlo Ancelotti would not be drawn on whether this means Becks is going to sign for the Serie A club permanently.

1115: Sheffield Wednesday have signed Michael Gray from Wolves on a free transfer until the end of the season.

1113: "Darren Bent in talks with Blackburn for a loan move, with a view to an £8m permanent deal. Tottenham have not made an official move for any other striker as a replacement as yet."
redinfinity999 on 606
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A few players have been linked with Blackburn, including Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi. I have also seen a suggestion that Morten Gamst Pedersen is having a medical at Fulham.

1108: "Could this potentially be the worst transfer day ever? The deadline is at 1700, the weather is playing havoc with travel, including airports, and there are no deals that appear anywhere close! Hope I'm wrong."
Tom R via text on 81111

Tom, it is a question that has to be asked. I'm still hopeful that deals will start to materialise in the afternoon. The weather is proving to be a massive X-factor, the element that nobody saw coming. Imagine if months of planning were scuppered by the snow.

1102: Less than six hours left...

1101: "Wishing I hadn't made the effort to come into work now - no-one else has. Hoping to hear news that Spurs have finally signed a left winger."Chris, London, via text on 81111

After a slow start to the morning our office is starting to fill up. I can confidently state that we are ready for transfers now. Hint, hint...

1058: Some news from Italy - Inter Milan have left Ricardo Quaresma out of their updated Champions League squad.

"I am disappointed with him," said Inter coach Jose Mourinho. "He is a player that I wanted in Milan but unfortunately, he has not been able to overcome the criticism directed at him."

Portugal international Quaresma has been linked with Spurs - and there are even suggestions that he could move as part of a swap deal involving Jermaine Jenas.

1056: Here's a transfer to get you excited… Iyseden Christie has joined Torquay until the end of the season after being released by Stevenage.

1054: "Any chance of some decent referees being 'transferred' in from somewhere? We pay money to watch the 22 guys playing and not them!"
Roger Bailey via text on 81111

Right now I would love any decent, solid transfer of any kind.

1050: "I am at home in Harlow and so far I have not seen anyone."
Anonymous via text on 81111

How refreshingly honest of you.

1047: Reports from Scotland - Christophe Berra's agent has told one of our reporters that the deal for the player to move from Hearts to Wolves has been done.

There's nothing definitive as yet on either club's site.

1045: "Crucial day for Middlesbrough - if we add a loan signing or two to flesh out our paper-thin squad we may survive this season. Otherwise it's hard to see us staying up in all truth."
Mike B via text on 81111

I agree. Boro looked a little off the pace. This could be a big day for Gareth Southgate - and quite a few other Premier League managers now I think about it.

1041: News of another transfer involving Coventry City. The Championship side have signed defender James McPake on a permanent deal from Scottish club Livingston.
Coventry sign Livingston's McPake

1040: No word yet on the proposed £600,000 transfer of Rob Jones from Hibernian to Nottingham Forest. Apparently Forest will clinch the deal, though I'm not sure if all the snow will affect that.

1038: "I'm on a flight to Milan and Dean Windass is two places ahead in the queue with his agent."
Anonymous via text on 81111

Ludicrous. And what are you doing using your mobile phone on a plane?

1032: Barnsley have agreed to sign Michael Mifsud from Coventry City on loan until the end of the season, BBC Radio Sheffield understands.

1029: "Liverpool shouldn't sell Robbie Keane without having lined up a replacement today. You can't win the league with just Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt."
S Bavin via text on 81111

I watched the match at Anfield on Sunday with a mate. He was arguing very strongly that Liverpool simply do not have enough decent in-form strikers to win the league. I think he has a point.

1026: "Any news about Derby yet? Has Chris Porter's transfer gone through yet?"
Anonymous via text on 81111

No, not yet. For those of you not familiar with Chris Porter, the 25-year-old currently plays for Motherwell and has been strongly linked with a move to Pride Park.

1022: No definitive word as yet from the Premier League as to whether they will extend the transfer deadline as a result of all the snow. The fact they haven't told us it won't suggests that maybe it will.

1019: Another transfer to tell you about, League One Peterborough have signed Manchester United defender James Chester on loan. I imagine those transfer talks went smoothly.

1016: "Bit of League One transfer news - Mike Lockett is joining Crewe on loan from Stoke until the end of the season."
Anonymous via text on 81111

1012: Man City striker Jo has been spotted at Everton. However, it is not looking good on the Andrei Arshavin-Arsenal front. Apparently the Gunners have not stumped up enough cash.

1010: "Ex-palace player Tommy Black has just been released by Barnet. That's, erm, some news at least."
TinTin via text on 81111

And that is a fact, I've just checked it out on Barnet's website.

1006: Waiting for those transfers to happen? Wondering if the weather is making a mess of everything?
Heavy snow hits much of England

1003: "This is Mr Keane's agent. I wouldn't normally comment but reading all these stories is all very amusing. Even I like reading the gossip!"
Anonymous - surprisingly - via text on 81111

For real? I doubt it. If it is true then he clearly isn't very busy.

1000: (See 0940) Apparently Don Cowie will sign for Watford - thanks for all the texts and 606s on that one.

Seven hours left.

0956: "No sightings of any superstars here in Sheffield library. However there is one gentleman who strikes an uncanny resemblance to Everton's Marouane Fellaini, though it's unlikely that the said Evertonian spends his Monday mornings doing some wider reading on Newton's laws of motion!"
Anonymous via text on 81111

0952: Where is Robbie Keane? Where isn't he more like. He seems to have been spotted everywhere. On the hard shoulder of the M6, building snowmen, in the queue at a DIY shop, in London, at the airport.... He is clearly having one very busy morning.

0950: Alan Smith and his rumoured loan move from Newcastle to Rangers is causing a bit of a rumpus on 606 and via texts on 81111. No chance say some, Rangers haven't got the money for his wages. Definitely happening insist others.

0947: Hold the front page....news of a transfer. Alan Gow has joined Norwich from Rangers on loan. Action, at last.
Norwich bring in Gow from Rangers

0940: (See 0931) "If you want news from north of the border then you may be mildly interested to know that Don Cowie is set to complete a move to Norwich from Inverness Caledonian Thistle."
CaleySaints90 on 606
Join the debate on 606

I seem to recall somebody before saying that Norwich would be busy today.

0937: "David Nugent is heading back to Preston on loan until May. He was in Preston last night for talks. That is why Preston paid off four players last week."
townendtom via text on 81111

Are you sure? Nugent finally starts to get a fairly regular first-team outing at Pompey and then leaves for PNE? Perhaps he was just visiting his big mate Sean St Ledger?

0935: (See 0913) Yes, I realise that the Lowry Hotel is a few miles from the Imperial War Museum but really, jump on the tram and you're there is next to no time. And if Roque Santa Cruz was to do that then we might have a few texts and 606s that nobody will believe claiming that they have seen him on a tram in Manchester.

0931: "Alan Smith in Glasgow, loan deal to Rangers until the end of the season."
Anonymous via text on 81111

Good to see some chat from north of the border.

0927: News of a few other transfers that may well happen today.

Man City striker Jo could be set for a loan move at Everton. Newcastle midfielder Charles N'Zogbia is being strongly linked with Wigan, while Portsmouth are thought to want Spurs youngster Giovani dos Santos.

0924: "Benjani was supposed to be heading to Fratton Park over a possible return to Pompey but the weather may have scuppered his chances."
Bruce, London, via text on 81111

Plenty of rumours regarding Portsmouth - not all of them concerning their manager, if you know what I mean. Will Tony Adams make it until the end of the season?

0920: (See 0855) "I love transfer deadline day, Riquelme spotted all over Merseyside on every transfer deadline day for the past two years. I wonder what usual places he will turn up today? Unfortunately my bet is it won't be Goodison."
cahillforpm on 606
Join the debate on 606

Old Riquelme. He really comes into his own on transfer deadline day. I love to know what he actually does on TDD. Shop? Train? Watch telly? Eat some pasta?

0915: "It is far too cold to be building boats. I'm bored stiff at work waiting for some transfer action. Come on West Ham, we need a right-back!"
John via text on 81111

Boat building in this weather. Not happening.

0913: One impact of the snow on the transfer window is the almost total absence of texts and 606s from people purporting to work at airports. Precious few top internationals have been spotted at Heathrow/Gatwick/Newcastle/Manchester airport.

Though spookyfishreturns on 606 reckons Roque Santa Cruz is at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester. He really should check out the nearby Imperial War Museum. Excellent.

0906: "This is probably the only day I am happy my missus has crashed our car whilst we were driving to work (I told her to drive slower! ). I'm safely back in bed now keeping up with transfers, come on Chelsea we need quality players."
Lewis, Southampton, via text on 81111

No mention of the wife's safety/health/injuries from car crash?

0903: "Ex-Liverpool player Bruno Cheyrou is in Manchester for talks with Bolton about a £4m move from Rennes."
Shane via text on 81111

"Ricardo Quaresma is apparently set for a loan move at Tottenham until the end of the season from Inter and will also join Robbie Keane! Happy Days!"
John, Essex, via text on 81111

If the volume of texts and 606s talking about Ricardo Quaresma count for anything then it looks like this one could actually be happening.

0900: Eight hours left. Not exactly snowed under are we.

0859: No word yet from the Premier League on whether the window will be extended as a consequence of the adverse weather conditions. We'll be calling them back later but I think some of their staff had the same trouble getting to work that plenty of people in the office here did.

0855: "My Granddad is an ornithologist on the Mersey marshes and swears blind he's just caught sight of Juan Roman Riquelme on a plane coming into land."
Phil Riley via text on 81111

Phil, I'm not quite sure how this has happened. You mean to say that he saw through the aeroplane's window with his binoculars and spotted Riquelme?

0850: I haven't heard any new developments as yet today regarding the future of Robbie Keane. All very quiet on the Liverpool striker. I'm sure Spurs will be looking get involved in some form of business.

0848: "Fletch can you tell me if Tranmere Rovers are going to be signing anyone? We don't get the media average we deserve."
Nick, Reading, Berkshire

Sorry mate, haven't heard anything.

By the way, Andrei Arshavin is in London, or certainly in a hotel very near the capital. Does this mean his move to Arsenal will happen? Not sure, as I'm not sure a fee has been agreed.

0845: There has been a lot of chat about Miguel Veloso. Apparently Bolton have had a big-money bid for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder rejected. A couple of other clubs are supposed to be interested. One way or the other we should know a lot more by the end of the day.

0842: (See 0830) "You do mean Daniel Sturridge don't you? Don't see why spurs would need Stephen Hunt. He's just as poor as Jamie O'Hara!"
Anonymous via text on 81111

I do mean Daniel Sturridge - and have amended the relevant entry. I think my mind must have defaulted back to a time when Dean Sturridge, then at Derby I think, was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. Didn't happen and his career didn't really go anywhere after that.

0831: Reading's Stephen Hunt off to Spurs for £5m? Oliver Dacourt set to join Fulham on loan from Inter Milan? All rumours doing the rounds.

0832: "Why didn't Karl Marx drink earl grey? He didn't believe in proper-tea."
Anonymous via text on 81111

Of no obvious relevance whatsoever, yet quite amusing.

0830: Several people on 606 have linked Man City defender Micah Richards with a move to Aston Villa. He looked so good last seaosn but has definitely gone off the boil. A few people are suggesting Michael Johnson and Daniel Sturridge might move to Villa as well. Watch this space.

0825: (See 0813) "Paul Warhurst - now there's a blast from the past! You have just depressed me for the day now remembering how good we used to be."
A nostalgic Owl via text on 81111

"Everton need a proven goalscorer who will put away the chances given to him. All credit to the sensational Cahill but they're just not doing it at the moment. Jo or Darren Bent will do for me until the end of the season. OK they haven't scored the goals this season but still!"
Nick, from Kent, via text on 81111

Nick, I cannot help but think that you have slightly undermined your own argument.

0820: "One for League One, Stockport defender Jim McNulty will sign for Leeds today for £150,000."
BenSCFC on 606
Join the debate on 606

Nice one, I'll keep an eye out for this. It would be a shame if Stockport lost too many of their talented young players. But then again, the books have to be balanced.

0817: "Fabian Delph just bought a bottle of water from our shop in Huddersfield. Passing through no doubt, but to where?"
Chris via text on 81111

Great attention to detail but on a day like this you really need to include the mode of transport. It really is a crucial factor.

0815: "Robbie Keane is 100% not going to sign a thing at Spurs today. The Tottenham High Road is impassable."
Chaz, trapped in his car in Tottenham, via text on 81111

Excellent travel news. Appreciated.

0813: "Will Everton buy a striker?? Might upset the balance there as they seem to be doing OK without a recognised striker."
eirebilly on 606
Join the debate on 606

Tim Cahill is doing a sensational job at the moment but I'm not sure David Moyes would want to have to ask him to do it for the rest of the season. Do you remember Paul Warhurst? He scored loads of goals as a makeshift striker for Sheffield Wednesday, 12 in as many games and earned an England call-up on the back of it. But the goals dried up in the end.

0808: (See 0743) "Good God he's quick. He only came on as a substitute for Barcelona last night against Racing! That's some special plane Hull have got!"
Anonymous via text on 81111

Private jets. You can anything these days. Apart from land at an airport perhaps.

0803: "I bet the nation a pound that Norwich are the busiest team of the day. We signed Chris Killen from Celtic on Sunday, are rumoured to be signing non league striker Cody Macdonald, Rangers forward Alan Gow, Rosenborg's Steffen Iversen and Hull's Wayne Brown. And there are rumours about Aberdeen's Zander Diamond as well. Busy busy busy."
Anonymous via text on 81111

I haven't checked the others out but hasn't Wayne Brown already joined Leicester on loan?

By the way, feel free to hit me with any big news from the Football League that I might have missed.

0800: "I just received a text message from our senior management saying that we don't have to go to work today. Only trouble is I'm on a project placement in South Africa where it's 25 degrees. That will make me the only person working today then. Dammit!"
Gary, Cape town, via text on 81111

You win some, you lose some. I much prefer your slight tale of woe to all these boastful texts and e-mails from Dubai and Australia.

Are any transfers actually going to happen today?

0755: Don't forget to check out our gossip column.
Monday's gossip column

0754: Come one transfers - lets be 'avin you.

0752: "I had knee surgery over the weekend. I had two things to look forward too. First was the transfer deadline day and second was a quiet empty house. Well my family is still here and there is a chance no deals will be done all thanks to the snow!"
A very miserable Gooner via text on 81111

Unlucky, very, very unlucky.

0750: Quite a number of 606s and texts are asking whether the transfer deadline will be extended. I have no idea but will endeavour to find out. It is a very good question. I mean, how many transfers won't happen because of transport issues. That big-money deal ready to go through but you cannot reach that out-of-the-way private clinic in the leafy lanes of Cheshire for your medical?

0743: "Eidur Gudjohnsen stayed at a Hull City centre hotel last night, and is due for talks at the KC stadium this morning, This one is for real."
ullbornandbred on 606
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Nice touch. I love it when people add the "this one is for real" caveat, as though we all now take it as gospel. I heard that he stayed in Hull to throw people off the scent. He is actually joining Grimsby.

By the way, I'm supposed to be interviewing Dean Windass this afternoon. Anything that I really ought to ask him (within reason)?

0740: The wheels have been falling off the Hull City express of late. The Tigers are now in the bottom half of the table. I wonder if Italian Christian Panucci could make the difference. The Tigers are said to be in talks with Roma.

0736: "Getting into work was a breeze this morning, made the 8 minute drive in my 4x4 in the cracking sunshine! No idea why I moved to Dubai!!"
JK via text on 81111

I can only assume that you are not trying to make friends. Because you're not. And anyway, I bet you're crying out for some snow. It is wicked. Honest.

0732: "Now that school has been cancelled, is it false optimism to go and stand outside the Grove waiting for Arshavin all day?"
Bernie, a frustrated Gooner in snowy Hampstead, via text on 81111

Are you mad? Do you know why school has been cancelled? Go and look out of the window. Stand outside waiting for Andrei Arshavin all day and you might turn into a statue.

0726: "Fletch - would the snow make it difficult for players to travel to prospective clubs today? There could be very few signings today, or the very least a lot of clubs trying to announce transfers after the deadline."
ChristalPalace on 606
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I'm with you on this one. It could be very tricky indeed. That dash across the M62 to secure your dream move to Gigg Lane? Forget it.

And if you were planning on jetting in to clinch a big-money move, well that could be fraught with danger.

A colleague of mine is supposed to be arriving at work in about 35 minutes. He spent the weekend in Venice (how romantic) but his flight was delayed and then sent diverted from Stansted to Bristol. Very handy. Perhaps Arshavin will end up at Ashton Gate.

0724: "I work at the Hilton in Manchester and I've just seen Didier Drogba eating breakfast in the restaurant. Rumour is he's signing for City later and stayed up in Manchester last night to complete the deal. Is this true?"
jrabrfc on 606
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You mean do I think you have just completely made this up because if you really worked at the Hilton you would currently be double busy trying to ensure all your guests can make the necessary arrangements to negotiate the testing meteorological conditions? Then yes.

However, Drogba to Man City would be a very interesting transfer indeed.

0721: "School has just been closed...now to enjoy a full day of transfers!"
BoisterousCitizenTom on 606
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Snow joke? It is just magic that stuff, isn't it.

0710: Robinho, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Marouane Fellaini - just a few of the big names (or at least expensive signings) from transfer deadline day back in September. And some people say you never see exciting signings in the hours before the window closes...

0708: In just under 10 hours from now I imagine we will have a much better idea of whether or not Arsenal have actually signed Andrei Arshavin. The will he, won't he saga has certainly dragged on for long enough.
Arshavin deal still on - Wenger

0704: And just for those of you looking for a distraction from all matters transfer window - I'd be very interested in hearing the funniest 'how I got to work this morning' story.

0700: Just a gentle reminder that the window closes at 1700 GMT - not midnight. All of which should make for a very busy afternoon.

What do you think will be the biggest transfer of the day? It would be pretty sensational if Robbie Keane did return to Spurs. They could end up with Keane and Jermain Defoe leading the line towards the end of the season. Just like old times.
Benitez gives Keane Anfield hope

0652 GMT: Hey, Merry Christmas everyone....hold on, the snow must have confused me.

The reason why I'm massively excited this morning is because it is transfer deadline day.

And what a start to the day, listening to a man in a white van just outside my flat spending several hours in the middle of the night trying to move out of his parking space.

Face it, my friend, it just isn't moving no matter how hard and for how long you rev the car.

Now the reason I love transfer deadline day is because it is one of the few footballing days of the years that is all about the journey, not the destination.

Football is a results business, but on TDD nothing gets you going like all the rumour and speculation, wondering just whether Robbie Keane will move back to Tottenham from Liverpool.

I wonder how many people will mistakenly spot him arriving at some £45 a night hotel today.

Or if Man City will break the bank to sign some superstar (not had much luck so far). It is fun, isn't it, unless you the person actually trying to sign someone with the clock ticking down.

And today all the last-minute chaos has been given a whole new dimension because of the snow. Wicked.

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