The fax machines have shiny new rolls of paper in them, Jim White has been ironing his yellow tie and we have been dusting off our transfer deadline day intro cliches.
Yes, the big day is finally here and the football media is whipping itself up into a largely unwarranted frenzy.
The last few deadline days have been anything but stunning, but there’s always the hope that this one will be the one that takes us back to that magic of January 2011 when Fernando Torres, Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez all did their last-minute dance.
So what should we expect today?
Well, there will be dozens of deals going through before the end of the day, but here’s nine of the top moves we expect to be completed before the window SLAMS shut at 11pm.
1. Jeff Hendrick – Derby County to Burnley… or Hull City
Hendrick seems certain to be leaving Championship football for a stint in the Premier League. Hull City looked favourites to sign him for £10m before Burnley swooped in, late last night. He is said to be undergoing a medical at Burnley today.
2. Wilfried Bony – Manchester City to Stoke
Much like his club-mate Joe Hart, Bony is not fancied by new boss Pep Guardiola. He is on his way to the Potteries to sign for Mark Hughes.
It’s a new day and I look forward to a new exciting challenge 💪
— Wilfried Bony (@wilfriedbony) August 31, 2016
3. Mario Balotelli – Liverpool to Nice
Jurgen Klopp made it clear the Italian sulker was not in his plans, now every Reds fan has their fingers crossed that he will seal a loan switch to the French club today so he can stop mooching around Melwood like a new version of Jose Enrique.
4. David Luiz – PSG to Chelsea
Really? REALLY? He had Sideshow Bob hair and played like he was being controlled by a kid playing Playstation (TM Gary Neville) and Chelsea fans couldn’t believe their luck when they managed to sell him for a staggering £50m two years ago. But now Conte wants him back for about £30m. PSG want £40m. It could still happen.
5. Moussa Sissoko – Newcastle to Tottenham
He says he wants to join “the beautiful Arsenal” but it’s Spurs who have the most serious interest in the midfielder. They have cash from selling Ryan Mason for £13m, but Newcastle want more than £20m for Sissoko. Everton have also been linked. Expect this one to drag on right to the deadline, in true Daniel Levy style.
6. Jack Wilshere – Arsenal to Crystal Palace or Bournemouth
Jack Wilshere on the bench (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Arsene Wenger has told him he can go on loan to get some games under his belt. He has already met with Alan Pardew and Eddie Howe, so will he chose to stay in London with Palace or go and enjoy the delights of the south coast with the Cherries? Either way, he’ll be holding up another club’s shirt by the end of the day.
7. Marcos Alonso – Fiorentina to Chelsea
Blues boss Antonio Conte is desperate for reinforcements at the back (hence his bonkers bid for David Luiz). The former Bolton and Sunderland left-back should complete a £23m move to Stamford Bridge today.
8. Saido Berahino – West Brom to…?
Don’t forget your boots, Saido (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)He was going to Stoke, but will they still fork out for him if they have Bony?
He has well and truly burned his bridges with the Baggies, so he’d better hope someone comes in for him.
9. Samir Nasri – Manchester City to Sevilla
The French midfielder is understood to have had a medical ahead of a loan move to the Spanish side.
The ‘i’s should be crossed and the ‘t’s dotted on this one today.
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