Clubs in England will be chomping at the bit to bolster their squads ahead of the second half of the season, with the January transfer window now right around the corner.
It is the time in the year when clubs are on the hunt for those in-form stars, looking to bring in players that could bolster their title or promotion aspirations, escape the clutches of a relegation battle or solve an injury crisis.
As well as that, it is a time where clubs may be looking to try and bring in some income for those players who are out-of-contract at the end of the season, as they look to sell them on opposed to losing them for free when their current contract draws to a conclusion in the summer.
In the past, the January transfer window up has thrown up plenty of big-name moves, surprising decisions and no shortage of transfer excitement. Plus, big-name players have also arrived in the Premier League, such as Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Fernandes, who swapped Sporting Lisbon for Manchester United in January 2020.
But what are the dates and rules that clubs in England, plus those in Europe, must abide by?
Here, football.london has put together the ideal guide ahead of the January transfer window opening for business.
When does the January transfer window open?
In England, the January transfer window officially opens for business on Saturday, January 2, for clubs in both the Premier League and the EFL. Clubs in Germany and France also see their window open on the same day.
However, La Liga and Serie A clubs will see their window open for business 48 hours later on Monday, January 4.
When is deadline day?
With January 31 falling on a Sunday this time around, the transfer window will officially close for business in England, as well as across Europe, on Monday, February 1.
Unlike in the summer, which saw English clubs granted an extension to get their transfer business done because of the knock-on effect of the 2019/20 season finishing later than planned, the window will close at the same time for everybody.
Which players will be on the move?
At this moment in time, it is hard to say who will definitely be on the move over the course of the month, but you can guarantee that there will be no shortage of speculation and drama as the month unfolds.
Already, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli is attracting no shortage of mentions in the gossip columns, with the England international being linked with a move away from the north London club, with his game-time proving more and more limited.
As well as that, Arsenal and Chelsea could well be active during the month, particularly the former, as Mikel Arteta aims to beef up his squad.
How can I follow all the very latest transfer news in January?
You can keep right up to date with all the very latest transfer news concerning Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs throughout January by following football.london on Twitter and regularly visiting our website for live transfer blogs and all the very latest news as it happens.
