Transfer window closes on Monday

Premier League clubs have until 5pm on Monday to sneak any new signings through the January transfer window.

It had been originally anticipated that the window would slam shut at midnight on Saturday, when the month officially ends.

Instead, top flight outfits have been handed a complicated list of deadlines covering international clearance, Uefa registration and eligibility for the Premier League.

For clubs buying from abroad, international clearance must be requested - but not necessarily granted - with the Football Association by midnight on Saturday.

Teams hoping to use their new signings in European competition would then have until 11am on Monday to register them with Uefa.

Finally, the Premier League would have to be notified of all new arrivals by 5pm on Monday so they can play in the remainder of the domestic season.

With cash tight across Europe, big money deals this month have been few and far between.

However, the Premiership's top three have all spent heavily.

Manchester United were first through the window, splashing out £12.8m (€18.7m) on Fulham striker Louis Saha.

League leaders Arsenal weighed in this week by spending a club record £17m (€24.8m) on Seville star Jose Reyes and Chelsea seem set to follow after finally being granted permission to open talks with Charlton over Scott Parker.