We're closing in on the halfway mark of this month's transfer window, which means that clubs home and abroad are increasing their efforts to get deals over the line.

With that in mind, Sports Mole has rounded up all the stories that have emerged over the course of the day.

Friday evening's headlines:

Report: Chelsea in hunt to sign Raphael Varane
Fresh reports emerge linking £20m-rated Raphael Varane with a move to Chelsea, where he could join up with former manager Jose Mourinho. Read more.

Sunderland complete Jermain Defoe transfer
Striker Jermain Defoe leaves Toronto to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with Sunderland. Read more.

Manchester United's Louis van Gaal: 'We won't be very active in transfer market'
Louis van Gaal says that he does not expect Manchester United to be "very active" in the transfer window this month, despite reportedly being handed £150m to spend. Read more.

Roberto Martinez: 'No decision made on Samuel Eto'o future'
Everton manager Roberto Martinez reveals that no decision has been made regarding the future of striker Samuel Eto'o. Read more.

Arsene Wenger confirms fee has been agreed for Legia Warsaw's Krystian Bielik
Arsene Wenger confirms that Arsenal have agreed a fee, thought to be in the region of £2m, with Legia Warsaw for young midfielder Krystian Bielik. Read more.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp "not involved" in Charlie Austin contract talks
Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp suggests that he has nothing to do with Charlie Austin's contract talks. Read more.

QPR striker Charlie Austin 'not looking elsewhere' despite transfer speculation
Charlie Austin insists that he is not looking to join a new club this month amid doubts regarding his Queens Park Rangers contract situation. Read more.

Shaun Wright-Phillips 'won't leave QPR because of lucrative contract'
Queens Park Rangers winger Shaun Wright-Phillips refuses to leave because he wants to keep his lucrative contract, according to manager Harry Redknapp. Read more.

Leicester City's Andrej Kramaric granted work permit in time for Stoke clash
Leicester City announce that Andrej Kramaric has been granted a work permit in time to feature against Stoke City in the Premier League tomorrow. Read more.

Derby County finalise deal for defender Raul Albentosa from Eibar
Derby County complete the signing of defender Raul Albentosa from La Liga side Eibar on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Read more.

Rotherham United loan Crystal Palace defender Zeki Fryers
Crystal Palace allow defender Zeki Fryers to move to Rotherham United on a one-month loan deal. Read more.

Freddie Sears makes Ipswich Town switch
Ipswich Town complete the signing of Colchester United striker Freddie Sears for an undisclosed fee. Read more.

Dundee United's Gary Mackay-Steven signs pre-contract agreement to join Celtic
Dundee United's Gary Mackay-Steven signs a pre-contract agreement to join Celtic in the summer. Read more.