If January is a month for restraint and cutting back, football begins each year dutifully following the memo. Another transfer window might have opened across Europe but, in stark contrast to the lavishness of summer, spending will be mostly reluctant and circumspect.

The January transfer window is official open, giving all 20 Premier League clubs the chance to bolster their squads for the second half of the season. The winter transfer window promises exciting, unpredictable signings and departures across the English top-flight.