Transfer Talk: Five big stories to watch including Sturridge and Dempsey

Transfer deadline day is here; and here are five of the big stories which you need to keep track of today:

1) Chelsea willing to let Sturridge go on loan

The Mirror claim Daniel Sturridge could leave Chelsea on loan, if they are successful in another bid to sign Andre Schurrle. Bayer Leverkusen have so far rejected the Blues advances, but they do not want to give up, and reports suggest a deal could finally be concluded today. If they turn their attentions elsewhere it could be Loic Remy. The mission is to bring in a new striker, and Sturridge can go, even on loan, to another club. Liverpool, Spurs, and Arsenal are all interested.

2) Liverpool want a Carroll replacement

Liverpool have drawn a line under what could have been the day's biggest saga, by acting early to loan Andy Carroll to West Ham. Brendan Rodgers announced last night after the Europa League game against Hearts which secured their progression, that the club would sign a replacement. Sturridge, and a certain American who we will discuss next, are targets - But as their signing of Assaidi showed, they have the capability to pull a rabbit from the hat.

3) Clint Dempsey's future

Martin O'Neill declared last night Sunderland 'were not done' in the transfer market, even after spending big on Adam Johnson and Steven Fletcher. He also confirmed that the club want to sign Clint Dempsey. If Liverpool look elsewhere, his options to leave Fulham are looking slim, and Arsenal who were previously linked have not followed up their interest. Could that change today? They have been linked with a cash plus Arshavin swoop, and the American is set on Champions League football. It could be the perfect solution.

4) Everton to sign new left-back 

Bryan Oviedo is a target for Everton, and the deal is understood to be quite far along into negotiations. If this had happened at the start of the summer, or even a fortnight ago, word would have been buzzing that Leighton Baines' exit was imminent, with Manchester United strongly linked. United though now have Alexander Buttner as back-up to Evra, and Oviedo will likely be there to compete with Baines. 

5) Champions League winner to head to City

Manchester City are set to strengthen at right-back, by signing Brazilian Maicon from Inter Milan. The defender could sign for as little as £3million according to reports, and an initial agreement has been made between the clubs with the player due to fly into discuss personal terms and undergo a medical later today. Nigel de Jong could leave the club for AC Milan, while we wonder if City's tough Champions League group will push them to sign any further reinforcements...

Which stories will you be closely following today? 

images: © nicksarebi, © nicksarebi

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.