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Saudi transfer deadline as Duran, Rashford and Newcastle United deals face ticking clock

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United
-Credit:Getty Images


The clock is ticking on the January transfer window with business starting to bubble as we head towards Monday's deadline. After a month which has seen little in the way of big-name deals, things are starting to pick up in the final few days.

The window closes at 11pm on Monday, February 3, with an interesting final day predicted as clubs look to make last-minute signings. However, we could see some earlier deals, with different deadlines across the world.

The Saudi Arabian league has already caught the eye with some big transfer moves in recent years, and this window has been no different. Aston Villa's Jhon Duran is on the verge of a £64m transfer to Al Nassr, while there has been interest from Al Shabab for Newcastle United goalkeepers Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodmimos.

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However, any moves to the Saudi league must be completed THIS week, with their transfer window closing on Friday, January 31. That means clubs have barely any time to get signings over the line.

There have been some big names linked with a move to the Gulf state, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Vinicius Junior and Darwin Nunez said to be attracting interest. The wealthy clubs can afford to spend big on transfer fees and wages, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar already gracing the league. Newcastle sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli 18 months ago, with the French winger now on loan at Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Despite interest from Al Shabab, United seem set to keep hold of both Dubravka and Vlachodimos this winter, with Eddie Howe reluctant to weaken his squad. There had been talk of Miguel Almiron moving to Saudi Arabia, but the Paraguay winger is now set to join MLS side Atlanta United.