Transfer Deadline Throws Up Some Interesting Moves

A late deal completed just before the deadline of 5pm was Manchester City’s capture of Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough. The highly-rated England Under-21 international has signed a four-year deal after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

West Ham have bolstered their striking options by completing the signing of Benni McCarthy on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Blackburn Rovers. The Hammers are also thought to have signed former Spurs striker Mido on loan until the end of the season from Egyptian side Zamalek.

It was all quiet at Stamford Bridge, while rivals Arsenal and Manchester United also failed to enter the market.

Wigan Athletic, meanwhile, won the race to sign youngster Victor Moses from money troubled Crystal Palace in a deal thought to be worth in the region of £2.5million. Moses has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the DW Stadium while Bolivia striker Marcelo Moreno has also joined on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk.

One of the busiest Premier League sides today was Fulham – who brought in Stefano Okaka and Nicky Shorey on loan from Roma and Aston Villa respectively.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has also signed German youngster Christopher Butchmann from Liverpool and allowed Diomansy Kamara, Tony Kallio and Wayne Brown go out on loan to Celtic, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers respectively.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has also had quite a busy day as he looked to boost his chances of survival by announcing the signing of Tottenham defender Alan Hutton on loan until the end of the season. Daryl Murphy and David Healy have left the Stadium of Light to join former manager Roy Keane at Ipswich on six-month loan deals while Nyron Nosworthy has joined Sheffield United on loan.

Burnley boss Brian Laws snapped up Jack Cork on loan from Chelsea and also extended the loan deal of Portsmouth striker David Nugent until the end of the season.

Pompey’s relegation rivals Hull City managed to stave off Wolves’ interest in Stephen Hunt while also letting Peter Halmosi, Daniel Cousin and Will Atkinson to join Szombathelyi Haladas, Larissa and Rochdale respectively.

Monday’s other major moves include Marcus Bent joining QPR on loan from Birmingham City and Kyle Naughton joining Middlesbrough from Spurs.

The big news from the Coca-Cola Championship was the departure of Geremi from leaders Newcastle United to Turkish side Ankaragucu.

The Magpies’ rivals West Bromwich Albion, meanwhile, have signed Feyenoord attacking midfielder Andwele Slory on a free transfer.

Derby County’s fight for survival has been boosted by the arrival of Manchester City’s young full-back Javan Vidal.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.