After a month of speculation, the January transfer window closed for business yesterday evening.
Just four Premier League clubs either failed to or opted against bringing in new players, while each manager decided to part with at least one member of their squads.
So, with the cheque books now locked away until the summer, Sports Mole has reviewed how each of England's top-flight clubs fared over the last four weeks.
Arsenal
In: Kim Kallstrom (Spartak Moscow, loan)
Out: Chuba Akpom (Brentford, loan), Anthony Jeffrey (Wycombe, loan), Benik Afobe (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Nico Yennaris (Brentford, undisclosed) Emmanuel Frimpong (Barnsley, undisclosed), Daniel Boateng (Hibernian, loan), Park Chu-Young (Watford, loan)
Rewind back to the deadline day during the summer and the Emirates Stadium was buzzing with the news that Arsene Wenger had persuaded Mesut Ozil to bolster his squad for a cool £42m fee. There was no such optimism this time around - quite the opposite in fact. The general feeling was that the Gunners needed a striker to ease the burden on Olivier Giroud, but despite links with the likes of Miroslav Klose, Alvaro Morata and Julian Draxler, no centre-forward arrived. Swede Kim Kallstrom was signed on loan, but the he's viewed as no more than back-up in the midfield.
Aston Villa
In: Grant Holt (Wigan, loan), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea, loan)
Out: Stephen Ireland (Stoke, free transfer), Michael Drennen (Carlisle, loan), Jordan Graham (Bradford, loan)
It's been aimed at Paul Lambert for some time now that his young Villa squad is in desperate need of some experienced heads. He did recruit one, but Grant Holt has hardly got the pulses the racing at Villa Park. Chelsea full-back Ryan Bertrand could prove to be a useful recruit, but there is a feeling that more was needed to completely secure Villa's Premier League status.
Cardiff City
In: Magnus Wolff Eikrem (Heerenveen, £2m), Mats Moller Daehli (Molde, undisclosed),
Jo Inge Berget (Molde, undisclosed), Kenwyne Jones (Stoke, swap), Fabio da Silva (Manchester United, undisclosed), Wilfried Zaha (Manchester United, loan)
Out: Rudy Gestede (Blackburn, undisclosed), Filip Kiss (Ross County, loan), Nicky Maynard (Wigan, loan), John Brayford (Sheffield Utd, loan), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke, Swap), Simon Moore (Bristol City, loan), Craig Conway (Blackburn Rovers, loan), Andreas Cornelius (FC Copenhagen, undisclosed)
In terms of quantity, there are few that can better Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's work at Cardiff. However, the former Manchester United frontman has taken a risk. Of his six additions, only one (Kenwyne Jones) has real experience of Premier League football. While four of his signings have spent time honing their skills at Old Trafford and have undoubted ability, whether they have the correct mental approach for a relegation battle, only time will tell. Meanwhile, £8.5m summer signing Andreas Cornelius was sold back to Copenhagen after six months of misery.
Chelsea
In: Bertrand Traore (Association Jeunes Espoirs De Bobo-Dioulasso, undisclosed), Nemanja Matic (Benfica, £21m), Mohamed Salah (Basel £11m), Kurt Zouma (Saint Etienne, £12.5m)
Out: Bertrand Traore (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Kevin de Bruyne (Wolfsburg, £17m), Ryan Bertrand (Aston Villa, loan) Josh McEachran (Wigan, loan), Juan Mata (Manchester United, £37.1m) Michael Essien (AC Milan, undisclosed), Sam Walker (Colchester, loan), Nathaniel Chalobah (Middlesbrough, loan), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, loan), Patrick Bamford (Derby, loan), Gael Kakuta (Lazio, loan), Kurt Zouma (Saint Etienne, loan)
Jose Mourinho is used to winning and arguably came out of the window smelling of roses. He plugged the midfield problem with the re-signing of Nemanja Matic, while he has recruited players for the future in Kurt Zouma and Mohamed Salah. They did need a striker, but it appeared that the likes of Diego Costa were out of reach. As for exits, Juan Mata was surprisingly sold to Man United, albeit for a nice profit of around £15m.
Crystal Palace
In: Jason Puncheon (Southampton, undisclosed), Scott Dann (Blackburn, undisclosed), Wayne Hennessey (Wolves, £3m), Tom Ince (Blackpool, loan), Joe Ledley (Celtic, undisclosed)
Out: Jason Banton (Plymouth, free), Jimmy Kebe (Leeds, loan), Kwesi Appiah (Notts County, loan), Matt Parsons (Plymouth, undisclosed), Jack Hunt (Barnsley, loan), Jose Campana (Nuremburg, loan), Stephen Dobbie (Blackpool, loan)
Five players signed on at Selhurst Park on deadline day, although Jason Puncheon was already at the club and turned his loan move into a permanent one. Perhaps the most exciting of the quintet is the lively Tom Ince from Blackpool, although Scott Dann and Joe Ledley may go on to play key roles if Tony Pulis's team are to retain their status as a Premier League outfit.
Everton
In: Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow, undisclosed), Lacina Traore (Monaco, loan), Jindrich Stanek (Sparta Prague, undisclosed)
Out: Nikica Jelavic (Hull, undisclosed), Matthew Kennedy (Tranmere, loan), Shane Duffy (Yeovil, loan), Hallam Hope (Northampton, loan), Chris Long (MK Dons, loan), Matthew Pennington (Tranmere, loan), John Heitinga (Fulham, free)
Fans of the Toffees knew that Roberto Martinez had done the majority of his business in the summer when the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Gareth Barry and James McCarthy all signed. He did still manage to secure the services of Aiden McGeady and Lacina Traore, who will provide competition to Lukaku following Nickia Jelavic's departure to Hull City. Also leaving was John Heitinga, who had spent almost five years at Goodison Park.
Fulham
In: Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders, loan), William Kvist (loan, Stuttgart), Lewis Holtby (Tottenham, loan), Konstantinos Mitroglou (Olympiacos, £12.4m), Johnny Heitinga (Everton, free), Ryan Tunnicliffe (Man United, undisclosed), Larnell Cole (Man United, undisclosed)
Out: Bryan Ruiz (PSV, loan), Stephen Arthurworrey (Tranmere, loan), Marcus Bettinelli (Accrington, loan), Jack Grimmer (Port Vale, loan), Aaron Hughes (QPR, undisclosed), Dimitar Berbatov (Monaco, loan), Philippe Senderos (Valencia, undisclosed)
While Dimitar Berbatov's ability cannot be called into question, is he the type of player that you want in a relegation scrap? The same goes for Adel Taarabt. Rene Meulensteen doesn't believe so, having shipped out both players. Instead, the Fulham boss recruited a blend of experience and youth in a bid to boost his side's chances of survival. The standout addition has to be Konstantinos Mitroglou, who cost the West Londoners a club-record £12.4m. The Greek striker scored a number of goals for Olympiacos this season, including a hat-trick in the Champions League against Anderlecht.
Hull City
In: Nikica Jelavic (Everton, undisclosed), Elliott Kebbie (Atletico Madrid, loan), Shane Long (West Brom, £6m)
Out: Tom Cairney (Blackburn, £500,000), Conor Townsend (Carlisle, loan), Eldin Jakupovic (Leyton Orient, loan), Cameron Stewart (Leeds, loan), Nick Proschwitz (Barnsley, loan), Gedo (Al Ahly, loan terminated), Aaron McLean (Bradford, undisclosed), Danny Graham (Sunderland, loan terminated)
The Tigers have received praise for some of their defensive performances this term, but it's up the other end where they have had problems. Steve Bruce moved to address that issue by signing two frontmen - namely Jelavic and Shane Long. In terms of outgoings, Danny Graham's loan stint was cut short, while Aaron McLean was sold to Bradford City.
Liverpool
In: None
Out: Adam Morgan (Yeovil, free), Tiago Ilori (Granada, loan), Craig Roddan (Accrington Stanley, loan), Ryan McLaughlin (Barnsley, loan), Michael Ngoo (Walsall, loan)
Brendan Rodgers identified two targets, but neither arrived at Anfield. He lost out to Chelsea where Egyptian playmaker Salah was concerned, while despite managing director Ian Ayre spending 48 hours in Ukraine, he was unable to convince Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk to part with winger Yevhen Konoplyanka. Many felt that at least one defensive recruit was required to help with their push for Champions League football, but none was signed. While some Liverpool supporters have expressed their disappointment, the team has shown on occasions this season that they can cope without the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard, meaning that the squad cannot be that weak.
Manchester City
In: None
Out: John Guidetti (Stoke, loan), Albert Rusnak (Birmingham loan), Emyr Huws (Birmingham, loan), Abdisalam Ibrahim (released)
There was a brief moment on deadline day when a plane was believed to have been scrambled for City to sign Porto duo Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando, but the two clubs ultimately couldn't agree a price. It's since been reported that Manuel Pellegrini could return for the pair during the summer. Considering that City are still fighting on four fronts, January additions were not seen as a necessity.
Manchester United
In: Juan Mata (Chelsea, £37.1m)
Out: Jack Barmby (Hartlepool, loan), Anderson (Fiorentina), Fabio da Silva (Manchester United, undisclosed), Wilfried Zaha (Cardiff, loan), Fabio da Silva (Cardiff, undisclosed), Tom Lawrence (Yeovil Town, loan), Tyler Blackett (Birmingham City, loan), Sam Byrne (Carlisle United, loan), Charni Ekangamene (Carlisle United, loan), Tom Thorpe (Birmingham City, loan), Federico Macheda (Birmingham City, loan), Will Keane (QPR, loan), Sam Johnstone (Doncaster Rovers, loan), Ryan Tunnicliffe (Fulham, undisclosed), Larnell Cole (Fulham, undisclosed)
David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward received large amounts of criticism for their lack of business during the summer, but they started to claw back some respect by parting with a club-record £37.1m to take Mata from Chelsea. Moyes wasn't able though to bolster a midfield that is in desperate of fresh impetus. In terms of departures, Anderson headed for Fiorentina, while a number of youngsters were sent out on loan.
Newcastle United
In: Luuk de Jong (Borussia Monchengladbach, loan)
Out: Yohan Cabaye (Paris-Saint Germain, £23m), Jonas Gutierrez (Norwich, loan), Curtis Good (Dundee United, loan)
When Newcastle sanctioned the departure of Yohan Cabaye to Paris Saint-Germain so late in the window, it was assumed that they had a replacement waiting in the wings. They wanted Clement Grenier, but for one reason or another, he remained with Lyon, meaning that Alan Pardew lost his best player and now has no alternative. He was successful in signing Luuk de Jong, who has struggled to make an impact with Borussia Monchengladbach this term, on loan.
Norwich City
In: Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle, loan), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, loan)
Out: Daniel Ayala (Middlesbrough, £350k), Jamar Loza (Leyton Orient, loan)
Chris Hughton was able to add two players with Premier League experience to his squad, but their is a belief that perhaps both Jonas Gutierrez and Joseph Yobo have the best years behind them. Perhaps the Norwich fans will be more impressed by their club's firm stance regarding Wes Hoolahan's future. The Republic of Ireland midfielder was wanted by Villa and West Bromwich Albion, but he is still a Norwich player.
Southampton
In: None
Out: Lee Barnard (Southend, loan), Danny Fox (Nottingham Forest, loan), Billy Sharp (Doncaster, loan), Dani Osvaldo (Juventus, loan), Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace, undisclosed)
No incomings at the St Mary's Stadium, but they did manage to rid themselves of a bad egg. Shortly after he was suspended for attacking teammate Jose Fonte, Dani Osvaldo was loaned out to Italian champions Juventus. Even more pleasing for Saints fans will be the fact that the likes of Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana have remained on the South Coast, despite reports that they were wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Stoke City
In: John Guidetti (Man City, loan), Stephen Ireland (Aston Villa, free transfer), Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution, free)
Out: Brek Shea (Barnsley, loan), Jamie Ness (Leyton Orient, loan), Juan Agudelo (FC Utrecht, loan)
Stoke are used to making January signings, particularly on deadline day, but it was a disappointing month on the whole for the Potters. They did take John Guidetti on loan from Man City, but failed in bids to sign Lee Cattermole and French winger Jonathan Pitroipa.
Sunderland
In: Marcos Alonso (Fiorentina, loan), Santiago Vergini (Estudiantes, loan), Oscar Ustari (Almeria, free), Ignacio Scocco (Internacional, £3m), Liam Bridcutt (Brighton, £2.5m)
Out: Mikael Mandron (Fleetwood, loan), Ji Dong-Won (Augsburg, undisclosed), Billy Knot (Port Vale, loan), Cabral (Genoa, loan), Modibo Diakite (Fiorentina, loan), David Moberg Karlsson (Kilmarnock, loan), David Vaughan (Nottingham Forest, loan), Duncan Watmore (Hibernian, loan), Danny Graham (Middlesbrough, loan)
It seems that Sunderland boss Gus Poyet had sent his scouts to Argentina during the last few months because three players from the South American country arrived at the Stadium of Light. The signing of Liam Bridcutt has captured the attention, with many believing that the midfielder is ready for the step up from the Championship to the Premier League, having started his career at Chelsea.
Swansea City
In: David Ngog (Bolton, undisclosed), Raheem Hanley (Blackburn, free transfer), Jay Fulton (Falkirk, undisclosed), Marvin Emnes (Middlesbrough, loan)
Out: Alan Tate (Aberdeen, loan), Daniel Alfei (Portsmouth, loan), Rory Donnelly (Coventry City, loan)
With the greatest of respect, those connected with Swansea could be forgiven for not exactly being inspired by their transfer dealings in January. Unknown youngsters Raheem Hanley and Jay Fulton were signed, while strikers David Ngog and Marvin Emnes were loaned from Championship clubs. They may go on to improve Swansea's recent fortunes, but it doesn't look likely.
Tottenham Hotspur
In: None
Out: Jermain Defoe (Toronto, £6m), Simon Dawkins (Derby, undisclosed), Shaquile Coulthirst (Leyton Orient, loan), Jon Obika (Brighton, loan), Ryan Fredericks (Millwall, loan), Adam Smith (Bournemouth, undisclosed), Lewis Holtby (Fulham, loan)
When was the last time that Spurs were not active during a transfer window? It's not something that has happened for a long time, that's for sure. Whether Daniel Levy has enough faith in Tim Sherwood to supply him with big funds, who knows? It was widely expected that a striker would be signed to replace Toronto-bound Jermain Defoe, but a move never materialised. Lewis Holtby was also granted permission to join Fulham on loan.
West Bromwich Albion
In: Thievy Bifouma (Espanyol, loan)
Out: Lee Camp (Bournemouth, free), Shane Long (Hull, £6m), George Thorne (Derby, loan)
Having sold Long to Hull and with Nicolas Anelka facing a suspension for his recent celebration at West Ham United, it had been anticipated that West Brom would be signing at least one frontman. Thievy Bifouma, a youngster from Espanyol, was the only centre-forward to arrive at The Hawthorns, despite links with a number of other players. It could be a tricky few months for new boss Pepe Mel.
West Ham United
In: Roger Johnson (Wolves, loan), Antonio Nocerino (Milan, loan), Marco Borrielo (Roma, loan) Abdul Razak (Anzhi Makhachkala, free), Pablo Armero (Napoli, loan)
Out:Blair Turgott (Rotherham, loan), Jordan Spence (MK Dons, loan), Paul McCallum (Hearts, loan), Modibo Maiga (QPR, loan), George Moncur (Partick Thistle, loan), Razvan Rat (Released)
A number of new faces joined the relegation fight at Upton Park, but the club barely parted with any money, as far as transfer fees are concerned anyway. The biggest additions were that of Italian internationals Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borrielo, while Colombian full-back also arrived from Napoli to replace the released Razvan Rat. Also departing was Modibo Maiga, who has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan basis.
