The clock is ticking for the Premier League clubs - what they wish they could do before the gong hits?

With Covid, injuries, lack of cash and the Africa Cup of Nations, the reality of the ongoing transfer period is that it has been quite sporadic but there is time for some last-minute drama. The January transfer window is nearing its finale and the clubs of English top-tier are hoping they can do some business before it is too late.

Last January, Covid and Brexit caused the quietest window in nine years with just 94.5 million USD spent by Premier League clubs. This year, the remaining six-days are more than enough to go over that amount.

Let's start with the 'big six'. League leaders and their closest trailers (Manchester City and Liverpool) are reserved and they won't make moves unless injuries kick in or a bargain arises. The Citizens found some affordable super-talent in the form of River Plate's Julian Alvarez who should soon put pen-to-paper for the Sky Blues and probably stay with the Argentinian side until the end of the season.

The Reds, on the other hand, have the case of what to do with their defenders Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams. First one is wanted by Newcastle and Norwich, among others, while his fellow centre-back is wanted by Sheffield United.

Lately wobbly Chelsea will try again to recall Emerson Palmieri from Lyon as their full-back situation is still pretty bad. They could also chase after Barcelona's Sergino Dest. As far as departures from Stamford Bridge go - Ross Barkley's loan can be expected.

Wed, 19.00: (2.40) IVORY COAST (3.00) EGYPT (3.60)

North London clubs should show much more activity on the market. Mikel Arteta is desperate for a new striker - with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pretty much out of the picture, Arteta wants a center-forward capable of digging in deep in the opponent's territory. It will be tricky to solve that puzzle with Juventus snatching Dusan Vlahovic, Alexander Isak being too costly and Luka Jovic not fitting the description.

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo wants to come if deals can be agreed while wealthy Newcastle are eyeing up Bernd Leno, Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny.

The Spurs should sign Adama Traore from Wolves and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina. There is an interesting name that emerged as a potential arrival for Antonio Conte - 62 million USD Porto winger Luis Diaz.

Tanguy Ndombele's loan to Paris Saint-Germain should go through while Giovani Lo Celso is being offered in swap deals. AC Milan's Franck Kessie is also wanted while Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga could also go out on loan.

Last but not least (of the big six) - the Red Devils. Man United want a midfielder but such action is more likely to be expected in June. Upfront, Jesse Lingard wants to join Newcastle and Anthony Martial has already joined Sevilla on loan. Eric Bailly is a target for AC Milan while Donny van de Beek is wanted by Crystal Palace and Valencia.

Wed, 22.00: (1.90) MALI (3.35) E.GUINEA (5.00)

If we take a look at the rest of the league - the focus goes straight to St.James' Park. With funds galore, the Magpies have huge plans and are in need of great acquisitions. Survival is a priority and so far in the ongoing transfer window, the Toons have been most active. With Trippier and Wood already signed, Newcastle kept looking - they made an offer for Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, held talks over defenders including Sevilla's Diego Carlos, Leverkusen's Mitchel Bakker, Liverpool's Phillips, Burn at Brighton and Matt Targett of Aston Villa. In the attack, rumour has it Lingard, Dele Alli and Aaron Ramsey are taken into consideration.

What about the interesting Aston Villa? With Juventus and Barcelona looking to flood the English market with cast-offs, desperate to shed bloated salaries - the Villains took their chance with Philippe Coutinho. After an offer for Brighton's Yves Bissouma was rejected, Villa could add Juve's Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur to their squad. Ramsey is hopeful of a new home too and he might find it in Birmingham. At center back, Liverpool's Joe Gomez is wanted on loan.

Wed, 15.00: (2.50) POSTA RANGERS (2.85) GOR MAHIA (3.05)

The Hammers are having a great season and they want to continue that way. Manager David Moyes is considering a number of players and one of them is Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car who could arrive on loan. Lingard's return would be marvelous for the Londoners but Newcastle seem to be taking a more aggresive approach towards the Man United forgotten man. West Ham are also watching Armando Broja but the loaned Chelsea youngster should be staying at Southampton.

Other interesting potential deals include: Christian Eriksen signing for Brentford (the Dane will join the Bees if he can pass his medical); already mentioned Palace's pursuit after van de Beek but also after Arsenal's Nketiah; Everton trying to first find a manager (Vitor Pereira seems close to signing) and then maybe snatching Ndombele and Alli from Tottenham; Wolves saying goodbye to Traore, possibly taking Alvarez on loan should he join Manchester City from River Plate and monitoring Renato Sanches' situation at Lille.