Transfer Talk: Five things that MUST happen before the window slams shut

There will be plenty of nervous players and fans with less than seven days of the January transfer window remaining.

Out-of-favour stars will want moves completed while fans know their clubs must bring in fresh faces if they are to reach their objectives.

LiveScore picks out five things that simply must happen before the window shuts on Monday night.

Jesse Lingard joins West Ham

The first on our list of things that need to happen before the window shuts is Jesse Lingard returning to West Ham.

In fact, this is a move that would have suited all parties before the season started — but the midfielder's connection to Manchester United kept him there.

Opportunities have not been forthcoming with no league starts this campaign and it is time for Lingard to cut ties.

He thrived at West Ham, has a fanbase there who instantly fell in love with him and would still be challenging for a European spot in East London.

Newcastle are also in the running for the 29-year-old but a move to the capital makes most sense for Lingard.

Dele Alli leaves Spurs

It is no secret that Dele Alli needs to leave Tottenham in a bid to reignite his stuttering career.

That much was obvious last January, only Daniel Levy felt selling the midfielder would be a mistake in case he did rediscover his magic touch.

Alli, 25, did start the first six Premier League games of this season under Nuno Espirito Santo but that proved a false dawn.

The last of his 37 England caps came in 2019 and he has only started 36 league matches since the start of the 2019-20 campaign.

Newcastle are one rumoured destination and frankly, it is a case of anywhere will do currently.

Arsenal sign a striker

If Arsenal are to live up to their potential and push for a top-four spot under Mikel Arteta, they simply have to sign a striker in the next seven days.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gunners career looks shot, Alexandre Lacazette needs help and Gabriel Martinelli is exciting but not the finished project.

The Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool and drab goalless draw with Burnley only emphasised that need.

Dusan Vlahovic may not happen but there are still plenty of options with a reported five-strong list being looked at.

Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonathan David all look exciting options and worthy of splashing the cash on.

Newcastle complete Carlos capture

When Eddie Howe returns from Newcastle’s warm-weather trip to Saudi Arabia, he will want to be greeted by a new centre-back.

It is the Magpies’ biggest problem, an area where a chronic lack of investment has left them woefully short of quality at the back.

Having conceded 43 league goals this term, only Norwich have let in more, while no team has kept fewer than their two clean sheets.

Sevilla’s Diego Carlos is top of their list and negotiations over a £30million deal are ongoing, according to reports.

An unnamed Premier League club have matched the Magpies’ bid but with their cash reserves and desperate need for reinforcements, the new owners need to make this deal happen.

Burnley sign Andy Carroll

Burnley need a striker following Chris Wood’s departure and Andy Carroll is looking for a new club.

On paper, it looks like a match so perfect it is surprising Sean Dyche has not made a move for the long-haired Geordie before.

Carroll spent two months at Reading in the Championship and looked match fit, scoring two of the best disallowed goals you are likely to see in the 7-0 defeat to Fulham.

Bournemouth are interested in the big centre-forward and Reading want to keep him, yet a move to Turf Moor may be the best fit.

Dyche and the Clarets must hope Carroll, now 33, will be desperate for another stab at the top flight.