Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley remains happy at Goodison Park.

The best rumour of the day

It has emerged today that Chelsea's decision to sell Juan Mata was part of a long-term plan to target Everton midfielder Ross Barkley in the summer.

As the Mata deal comes close to completion it has become clear that Chelsea won't be putting in a bid for Barkley, who is out with a broken toe, just yet.

Meanwhile Manchester United's deal with Mata is likely to see the club withdraw their interest in 20-year-old Barkley leaving Manchester City to battle the Blues for the youngster.

Barkley meanwhile appears to be happy at Everton helped by the fact that Roberto Martinez continues to expose him to first-team experience.

The worst rumour of the day

Alan Pardew has been told by Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin that he can have midfielder Remy Cabella so long as he coughs up a astonishing £86m.

The Frenchman demanded that Newcastle must pay "what Real Madrid paid for Gareth Bale" if they want to close a deal this month, also stating that he thought the north-east city was boring.

The Magpies had valued the 23-year-old midfielder at £12m but the eccentric Nicollin, 70, says otherwise.

"For us to let Cabella go in January, Newcastle will have to pay what Real Madrid paid for Gareth Bale," he said.

"Personally, I wouldn't go there. You must get bored s***less in Newcastle.

"Remy is a boy I love and he deserves a better club than Newcastle.

"If they pay the money in summer, there will be no problem, but I would advise him to go elsewhere. If there are good offers then that will allow us to have a good season next year, especially if we are in the top division – but there's no question at all of him leaving now."

Tweet of the day

Deal of the day

The big deal of the day saw Chelsea agree to a move to sign winger Mohamed Salah from Basel.

The Egyptian, 21, is expected to leave the Swiss side in a deal worth around £11m but is yet to undergo a medical or agree personal terms at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool had held talks with Salah in the hope of bringing him to Anfield before the Blues had a chance to get hold of him in what would be Liverpool's first signing of the transfer window.

Today has been one of the busier days in the transfer window with 10 loans and seven transfers completed so far.

Chelsea FC