Evening update: Premier League clubs turn from fat cats to loan sharks

Spurs have agreed to sign Bayern Munich forward Matthys Tel on loan. Arsenal and Manchester United  were also interested in the player. 

COMPETITION: Brighton have signed striker Stefanos Tzimas from Nuremberg for €24m. His signing poses further questions about Evan Ferguson's long-term future at the Premier League club. Pic: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Premier League clubs have been turning from fat cats to loan sharks on transfer deadline day as a nervous market, and the growing influence of profit and sustainability rules, made last minute deals even more difficult to pull off – even for the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United who wanted to do business.

United, desperate for new blood as they sit 13th in the table, were unable to find a permanent deal for Marcus Rashford to raise funds, so instead sent him to Aston Villa until the end of the season.

Tottenham, meanwhile, agreed a loan deal for young Bayern striker Matthys Tel – beating United to his signature, subject to a medical. But even they were unable to agree an option to buy on a day when big deals were hard to find.

Arsenal, desperate to add a striker to boost their title challenge, also held an interest in Tel but the forward, who only 48 hours ago turned Tottenham down because he preferred a move to Old Trafford, was reportedly persuaded to change his mind following a personal conversation with manager Ange Postecoglou.

The teenager has 12 goals in 60 games in Germany, with six assists, but has found his path to the first team blocked by Harry Kane. But reports in Germany claimed it was the player himself who insisted on a ‘loan only’ deal, because he is determined to move back to Munich in the summer.

If that suggests a shift in player power, it is also clear that smaller clubs are finding it easier to resist raids from bigger clubs in the winter market.

Brentford fended offer interest in both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, whilst Crystal Palace turned down a major €84m offer from Tottenham for defender Marc Guehi on deadline day.

Brighton, too, resisted offers for Republic star Evan Ferguson, choosing to send him on loan to West Ham instead – where he will join his former Albion manager Graham Potter.

Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “Evan really needs to be playing regularly. This loan gives him that opportunity.” 

Ferguson, who made his debut under Potter at Brighton aged 17, was diplomatic about his future: “It feels good to be here and I know the gaffer well. I want to come in and do my best for the club, score goals and see where we get to.” 

Rashford’s loan deal is inevitably the one which will create the most discussion, but even he brushed off talk that the move could eventually become permanent.

“It’s only short term that I’m here, so I want to make the most of my time here,” he said, pointedly.

Not everyone could see the value for the deal for United, however.

Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson believes it could place added pressure on United manager Ruben Amorim.

“I think his job is on the line with this one,” he said. “If Rashford goes there and scores 10 in 10 and United carry on as they are, then if you were on the board you’d be seriously asking questions.” 

The fact that Aston Villa turned down a request from Old Trafford to take Leon Bailey on loan as a replacement added further frustration, especially as the midlanders look likely to also land Marco Asencio on loan from Paris St Germain.

Chelsea, big spenders in the last two windows, were also focusing on loans and offloads rather than major acquisitions, sending Joao Felix to AC Milan, Ben Chilwell to Crystal Palace and Carney Chukwuemeka to Borussia Dortmund.

As for permanent deals, Manchester City - the biggest spenders in this window at €150m already - are still plotting a move for Porto central midfielder Nico Gonzalez, 23, before the clock strikes 11 – and hope to complete a move for €60m.

Brighton also spent €24m on striker Stefanos Tzimas, 19, from FC Nuremberg, a deal which will add to concerns that Ferguson's long-term future at the Seagulls remains in the balance.

Arsenal’s search for a striker, however - barring a remarkable unforeseen late deal - seems unlikely to end happily. So, perhaps league leaders Liverpool are the ones smiling most smugly, despite keeping their own powder dry on deadline day.

Anfield legend and Sky pundit Jamie Carragher said: “Without another special player in attack, I don’t think Arsenal have got enough to beat Liverpool to the title.”