LaLiga: Newcastle want Real Madrid star, Athletic set to use Laporte money and Bartra's back in Spain

This winter transfer window is beginning to feel as action-packed as its summer version – and people say global warming doesn’t exist. The main difference between the two is the short time frame teams are working in. This results in a lot of, “Well you can have him but only if we can sign a replacement” scenarios. The domino effect which ultimately leaves the last team a little short for the next few months.

Iñigo Martinez to Athletic Club

While in England the main domino effect appears to between Arsenal, Chelsea and Dortmund. In Spain it’s Athletic, Real Sociedad and.. Dortmund.

Manchester City’s €65m signing of Aymeric Laporte is forcing Athletic to move quickly in order to strengthen their squad ahead of deadline day. For those wondering, there’s no Spanish version of Jim White over here. Instead it’s just an endless stream of rumours – most disappearing as soon as they appear – and radio shows talking about why certain moves didn’t come to fruition.

Right, Laporte.

So Athletic’s big plan of action is to poach Iñigo Martinez away from local rivals Real Sociedad. Martinez is someone who deliberately kept his buyout clause at an accessible €35m in case a big team made a move for his services. In the summer, Barcelona held talks with the player but ultimately decided against it. And while Athletic might not be as big as Barcelona, a change of scenery is probably a welcome relief.

Chances of it happening: 5/5

Marc Bartra to Real Betis or Real Sociedad

The reason Dortmund are in this transfer triangle too is because Real Sociedad want Marc Bartra to replace Martinez. However, this is further complicated by another LaLiga side – notably Real Betis – who are also pushing to sign the Spanish international.

READ MORE: Gossip – Luiz key to Aubameyang deal

READ MORE: Conte winning the Chelsea transfer blame game

READ MORE: Klopp claims Liverpool game cut short by BT

Bartra’s time in Germany is coming to an end. He hasn’t featured in six of Dortmund’s last seven league matches and a move back home is the order of the day. His name value is still quite high in Spain and signing him would be a coup for most teams harbouring ambitions of European football next term. It’s worth remembering that when fully fit, Bartra featured from the start in four of Dortmund’s Champions League matches.

If we’re talking about holding an advantage, then Betis are out in front. They’ve been talking with Bartra for a few days now and an agreement is in place to make the move a reality. The only sticking point is how the fee, said to be less than €8m, will be paid. This means the window of opportunity is extremely small for Real Sociedad and they would certainly need to pay more than Betis to stand any chance of getting the player.

Chances of it happening: 4.5/5 (to Real Betis)
Chances of it happening: 0.5/5 (to Real Sociedad)

Roque Mesa to Sevilla

The man with the greatest moustache in football will sign for Sevilla ahead of Wednesday night’s deadline. After an unsuccessful six-month stint in Wales with Swansea, Mesa’s Premier League adventure is coming to a close. It’s a shame as the two, in other circumstances, would’ve been the perfect match but Swansea’s current style doesn’t quite gel with Mesa’s.

Yesterday Mesa completed his medical at Sevilla and will be confirmed as their player today. The deal is a six-month loan but with an option to make it permanent in the summer.

Chances of it happening: 5/5

Marcos Llorente to Newcastle United

Like many, I expected to see Marcos Llorente push Casemiro for a starting place in Real Madrid’s XI this term. After a sensational season on loan at Alaves this was Llorente’s moment to shine. Whether it is due to Madrid’s poor start to the season, or simply a case of overcrowding in midfield, it isn’t working out for the young Spaniard back in Madrid.

502 of his 760 minutes for the club came in the Copa del Rey. Now, after an embarrassing loss to Leganes, this is no longer an option for him. The chance to ‘save’ his season with another loan stint makes sense for all parties. There’s no point in staying with Los Blancos only to train and watch matches from the sidelines. With Mateo Kovacic available again, six months of regular football would do Llorente the world of good.

Newcastle United join a host of LaLiga clubs desperate to sign the midfielder until the end of the season. Rafa Benitez’s best Liverpool side included Xabi Alonso and he’ll be hoping that Llorente could have a similar impact on his fortunes in the North East. At the moment the player – and Zidane – are reluctant to discuss a move but the door isn’t fully closed.

Chances of it happening: 2/5

The transfer window is already closed for the big three in LaLiga. Real Madrid confirm they won’t be making any new signings this month. Los Blancos are enduring a difficult domestic campaign and their only hope of silverware lies with the Champions League. However Zidane remains adamant that he won’t move on any of his key players. Instead, he’s backing them to prove their doubters wrong.

At Barcelona there’s been plenty of movement but don’t expect to see any more key acquisitions ahead of tomorrow evening’s deadline. Philippe Coutinho was the last of the loose ends from the summer window and their squad is now even stronger. Yerry Mina is the other new face in the squad this month as Barcelona start to build for the future.

Similarly at Atletico Madrid, who were under a transfer ban in the summer, their main business is over for January. Diego Costa and Vitolo were both ‘signed’ six months ago but couldn’t play for their new sides until now. With Champions League football over already, attention turns to the Europa League and both new recruits should give them a strong chance of lifting the trophy.