Live: Transfer Deadline Day Latest (From The Northern Echo)

11:27pm

With transfer deadline day coming to a close, the last comment should be about George Boyd.

Boyd, a top target of Middlesbrough during Gordon Strachan's time at the club, has seen his move from Peterborough to Forest break down because of a failed eye test.

These eyes are closing on their own, it's been a long day for very little North-East activity. But Sunderland got Danny Graham and Middlesbrough will confirm Kieron Dyer tomorrow.

Kevin Thomson and Xisco's contracts have been torn up at Middlesbrough and Newcastle respectively. That's been about it.

See you again in the summer ...

NORTHERN ECHO SPORT

11:01pm

Big Ben has spoken. 

10:57pm

Odemwingie .... it might not be in the North-East but still ... 

And to think Newcastle and Sunderland could have signed him. And everyone else. And QPR. 

But now he's back at West Brom. Or will he be?

10:22pm

It's all starting now! Xisco has had his contract terminated at Newcastle ...

Can't wait for the next big development of the night 

10:19pm

Everton have completed the signing of John Stones from Barnsley. Sunderland had also been looking at him, but never got anywhere near.

Has Odemwingie gone anywhere yet...

9:55pm

Thought it was going too quietly. Kevin Thomson's contract has been ended by mutual consent at Middlesbrogh.

It just never worked out for him at the Riverside. 

9:51pm

Stoke have signed Brek Shea. Is that really how exciting transfer deadline day night is going to be?

Looks like it, still all quiet in the North-East. In fact it's quiet everywhere - just ask Peter Odemwingie, whose agent is probably ringing round a lot of clubs right now! 

9:27pm

Stoke confirm that USA international Brek Shea has finalised his £2.5 million move from FC Dallas.

9:20pm

Peter Odemwingie, presumably, is at large now. In London. A club less scrupulous than QPR may take a punt on him. Otherwise, it's a long road back to Birmingham. Both geographically and metaphorically. In short, he's screwed.

9:16pm

Niall Quinn on Sky Sports News confirming that the transfer window is little more than a meat market, where players are moved around from club to club without any real influence. Former Sunderland chairman Quinn reminds us "Agents don't make money for six months after tonight".

The segment, which appeared to be the most intelligent discourse on the channel for some time, was disappointingly ended by Jim White inexplicably suggesting that Simon Jordan "had his tongue firmly in my cheek" when talking about the decision for Chris Samba to forego European football to help QPR to safety.

Nobody needed to hear that, Jim.

9:10pm

I wonder at what point Odemwingie thought it was a good idea to drive from Birmingham to London. It's a long journey to do on the spur of the moment, and surely he'd be aware of the consequences. Dark forces at work here, I reckon. I'd love to be a fly on the wall at West Brom's training session tomorrow.

9:01pm

We, here at the Northern Echo, have fully embraced Twitter and we'd like to think we were ahead of the curve with our use of it. However, I'd draw the line at clubs' managers using the social networking site to, effectively remove the need for the media in the process. What would be next - tweeting post-match quotes? Surely not. Rebuffing transfer news? Never.

8:58pm

Momo Diame is being courted by an unnamed Premier League club. It's like a chuffing game of Cluedo, this. Who is it then?

8:54pm

Real signal of intent for Celtic to refuse any bids for Gary Hooper. It has been suggested that £9m has been offered for the in-form striker, but the Hoops have denied any bids have been made and that any interest in the frontman will be rebuffed. £9m is big money for a Scottish club in the current climate. Personally, if I was the Celtic chairman, which, admittedly I'm not, I'd tear their hands off for £9m.

8:52pm

Astounded by the Odemwingie story. He's gone to QPR without West Brom's permission in order to tie up a deal. How on earth is this going to work? Nobody would blame West Brom for digging their heels in at this stage.

Here's what a West Brom spokesman had to say:

The club can confirm they have held further discussions with QPR today but those talks have so far proven fruitless and no agreement has been reached. Albion would also like to make clear that Peter has not been given permission to speak to QPR about a potential move.

West Brom suit

8:38pm

8:27pm

Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Malaga left-back Nacho Monreal.

The clubs have agreed fee in the region of 10m euros (£8.3m).

The 26-year-old Spain international will now discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

8:27pm

Brighton's Stephen Dobbie is at Crystal Palace having a medical. It's not long until Palace face Boro in an important game at the top of the division.

8:26pm

WBA striker Peter Odemwingie has turned up at Loftus Road to try and force through a move to QPR. 

The Baggies haven't given him permission to speak to Rangers, despite the player telling Sky Sports he wants to sign for Harry Redknapp.

7:59pm

7:55pm

7:41pm

It doesn't sound like we will be getting confirmation from Middlesbrough that Dyer has signed until tomorrow.

Not sure what the hold up is, but told it's because there's no rush as he is a free agent.

Mowbray talked about him being involved at Ipswich though and he is believed to have signed the paperwork that he had to.

7:37pm

7:37pm

6:42pm

Still all quiet in the North-East. From what I'm hearing Sunderland think they're done and Middlesbrough aren't expecting anything else to happen.

That would mean Marvin Emnes staying on Teesside rather than heading for Swansea. Four hours remaining ...

PAUL FRASER

6:09pm

6:08pm

Pic of new Newcastle signing Kevin Mbabu here now:

Newcastle stress he's one for the future.

"I am delighted to join Newcastle United," he said.

"Today is a big day for me. I've always wanted to sign for a club in the Premier League and Newcastle is one of the biggest there is.

"I want to finish my development here with the Reserves before one day training with the first team and hopefully breaking into the first team."

Newcastle United Reserve team manager Willie Donachie said: "Kevin is strong, confident, skilful and a very good prospect.

"He still has a lot to do as he is only 17-years-old, but I saw him playing for Switzerland Under 19s against Scotland and he did really well.

"He can play central defence or right-back and if he keeps working hard then he could have a great future in the game."

6:05pm

The transfer window in Italy is now closed. So anyone fancying an Italian takeaway tonight, your luck's out.

Sorry.

5:40pm

5:29pm

5:13pm

Looks like Everton have beaten Wigan to the signing of young Barnsley right-back John Stones, who is heading to Merseyside for a medical.

Should that move be finalised, it will be interesting to see whether the Latics turn their attentions to Newcastle's Danny Simpson.

5:04pm

David Beckham, labelled one of football's greediest men earlier on Twitter, is donating his salary while at PSG to a charity. That's shut them up!

4:45pm

Meanwhile, Ahmed Elmohamady appears to be back off to Hull City after revealing on Twitter: "On my way back to the Tigers". Or he could be off to the zoo. It's anybody's guess.

4:42pm

Sunderland just confirming what was known already. Saha had been told he could leave and the Black Cats will be submitting an updated squad list to the Premier League this evening, so this announcement is basically housekeeping.

4:39pm

Sunderland striker Louis Saha has now left the club. The 34-year-old striker’s contract with the Black Cats was ended by mutual consent. The former French international made two starts and a total of 14 appearances in league and cup since joining the club last summer. Sunderland AFC chief executive Margaret Byrne said: “We wish Louis all the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution to Sunderland.”

4:29pm

Norwich City are trying to add Birmingham City defender Curtis Davies to the early signing of Leeds United striker Luciano Becchio. Norwich are understood to have offered £2m, plus Leon Barnett, for the 27-year-old but Birmingham want a £4m straight cash deal.

4:27pm

It might have gone quiet in the North East, but the money men behind Russian club Anzhi are close to agreeing a £34m move for Shahktar forward Willian.

4:24pm

So after letting Danny Graham join Sunderland, Swansea have had an approach turned down for Man City back-up striker and former Black Cats target John Guidetti.

After selling Mario Balotelli to AC Milan Roberto Mancini can't afford to let another striker leave.

4:12pm

The atmosphere has gone as flat as an EastEnders Christmas here. I'd hate to say "that's it" for North-East dealings, but it's almost looking that way.

That's not to say you should stop checking this blog. It's just getting to the fun bit.

3:58pm

Former Newcastle midfielder Emre has left Atletico Madrid and gone back to Fenerbahce. The North-East needs some more transfer action ... that's what we have got for now.

After this morning's Danny Graham excitement, maybe it will all go crazy later tonight. As things stand no new deals in the pipeline.

PAUL FRASER 

3:55pm

3:54pm

Back from NUFC training ground after chats with Sylvain Marveaux and Alan Pardew. Safe to say there won't be any major incomings before 11pm. Only thing Pardew mentioned was the possibility of Danny Simpson going. 

Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias were flew up to training ground this morning and left after meeting new boys and watching them train. No one left with them!

3:12pm

Twitter has seemingly exploded with the transfer news from today, even though the only big bits of business so far have been the Balotelli-Milan deal, Samba-QPR, Becchio-Norwich and Graham-Sunderland. The day is yet young, though.

3:04pm

Back from Mowbray press conference. Interesting. He's very disappointed that it was reported early on that Boro had made £5m offer for Danny Graham.

Reality was it would have been a part-exchange involving Marvin Emnes. The deal never materialised. Mowbray does not have £5m to spend on new players ...

> PAUL FRASER

2:48pm

The last Newcastle-supporting striker on Wearside had this to say about Graham's move:

2:46pm

2:45pm

And another picture for good effect:

2:44pm

The striker went on to tell Sunderland's website:

"As soon as I heard about the interest from Sunderland I didn't even have to consider any of the other options that were on the table.

“I was born and brought up in the north east so I know first-hand the intense passion that people have for their football in this part of the world – it's special and there's nowhere else like it.

“Of course, I totally understand that some fans might need convincing about my commitment to Sunderland because of my roots, but I've always given 100% no matter what team I play for and no matter who I play against.

“It's up to me to show people I deserve to wear the Sunderland shirt and I'm excited about playing for a club as big as this.

“I'm really excited about the future – this is a new phase of my career and I can't wait to get started.”

2:42pm

Here's Danny Graham on the reasons for his move to Sunderland from Swansea City: “I’m sad to be leaving Swansea, but delighted to be joining Sunderland and moving back home to the North East for personal reasons.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Swansea, but everyone moves on at some time in football. Obviously I would have liked more game-time this season, but that’s the way it goes and I’m looking forward to the new challenge at Sunderland.

“I would like to think I played my part in Swansea’s success so far in the Premier League, especially last season.

“I can only speak in a positive way about the club, especially the supporters and the squad of players. They have been outstanding and I’d like to thank everyone for making my time so enjoyable.

“I believe, 100 per cent, that the club has a bright future. The boys have done very well since stepping up to the Premier League and it will only get even better for them. There’s a major cup final to look forward to and I’m sure they will continue to progress."

2:07pm

2:06pm

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill said of Graham, who will don the famous number 9 shirt at Sunderland: “We’re delighted to have Danny and I genuinely think he’ll do well for us. He has a real desire to do well.

“I saw him from afar last season when he played very well in a system which seemed to suit him.

“I think he can fit in and score a few goals for us. We want to be less reliant on Steven Fletcher scoring the goals and I think Danny will alleviate the load.”

2:03pm

Before I go, Roy Hodgson has unveiled his England squad ahead of the national side's game against Brazil next week.

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Joe Hart.

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Chris Smalling, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Leon Osman, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere.

Forwards: Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Daniel Welbeck.

2:02pm

All gone a bit quiet on the transfer front. I'm off for my lunch now. I fully expect it to kick off while I'm away.

1:58pm

1:56pm

A charity is calling on Newcastle fans to donate their old Demba Ba shirts to charity.

Kits4Causes, the UK charity that promotes football as an incentive for change, has launched a public appeal for donations of unwanted football kit and equipment.

Donations will be collected and distributed to partner organisations around the world that recognise the value of football for social change. The appeal was made on the day of the transfer deadline in the United Kingdom, with many players moving teams and rendering a number of fans’ replica shirts redundant.
Kits4Causes has appealed for any football kit, regardless of age or size, including all types of shirts (replica, amateur team etc.), football shorts and football socks, as well as equipment including shin pads, boots, bibs and training jackets.

Kit can be donated by any football club, supporters club, school, university or workplace and donated by post to the address listed at the Kits4Causes website, www.kits4causes.org.

1:51pm

Bookies BetVictor are offering odds on first cliche uttered by Sky Sports News presenter Jim White later tonight. Would be highly suspicious of betting patterns eminating from Sky Sports News' HQ in Osterley!

Bets refer to the first cliche said by Jim White on Sky Sports News after 8pm.

Here's the current odds:

The clock is ticking   7/2
A Sky Sports exclusive   7/2
We start with breaking news   4/1
We can now reveal   5/1
Put pen to paper   5/1
You'll hear it here first   6/1
Last minute business   10/1
This just in   10/1
Unconfirmed reports on Merseyside suggest   12/1
Before the transfer window slams shut   12/1
Spotted at the training ground   16/1
Hold on to your hats   16/1
Twitter is in meltdown   20/1
The eleventh hour   20/1
Looks set to snub   20/1
Sky sources have informed me   20/1
Weighing up his options  33/1
The weather is cold, but this news is HOT   50/1
Darren Bent is on the M6   50/1
Harry Redknapp wheeling and dealing   50/1
Gary Hooper is the talk of the town   66/1
Fellaini seen in West London   80/1
Barcelona representatives seen at Anfield   100/1
It's Mari-go Balotelli   100/1

1:44pm

If you're keeping an eye on this live blog during the day, hit refresh now as we've updated the latest news section.

1:39pm

1:38pm

1:26pm

1:26pm

1:25pm

DEADLINE day is here and we have already had the first incredible twist.

Middlesbrough, sitting sixth in the Championship......

Only kidding. This is live.

1:25pm

The BBC, gawd bless 'em, are trying to wrestle the market away from Sky Sports with their own transfer deadline offering on the red button. Only trouble is it is on a pre-recorded loop at the moment. I'm on the second lap of it now and my head's starting to spin. You can rest assured that, here at the Northern Echo, the great daily of the north, we're not that cheap. This is live, and on the button.

12:30pm

12:24pm

12:22pm

12:00pm

It begs the question: who would win in a tug-of-war between Ellis Short and Steve Gibson?

12:00pm

11:40am

11:38am

Norwich set to announce the deal for Becchio - and the departure of Steve Morison in the other direction - at 1pm.

11:34am

11:33am

11:24am

Harry Redknapp conducting an interview from his car window. If anyone is playing the transfer deadline drinking game, you'll be drunk by lunchtime.

11:23am

Meanwhile, David 'Brand' Beckham is having a medical at Paris St Germain. He's been training with Arsenal in order to boost his fitness.

11:19am

Luciano Becchio, a one-time target of Middlesbrough, is on his way from Leeds United to Norwich City as the striker has passed a medical.

11:19am

11:18am

Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias has been on Sky Sports News to say: "We're absolutely done. Mike (Ashley, United chairman) has come today to reassure us crown jewels are staying."

So if anyone is preparing an Andy Carroll-style deadline-busting deal, you'll have to get through Big Mike first.

11:17am

11:17am

11:16am

Right, that's enough, time to put the phone down and stop checking what's happening.

Heading over to Rockliffe Park for a lunch-time briefing with Tony Mowbray.

Danny Graham update? By all accounts he's just left Greggs on Linthorpe Road so might see him on the A66 - or on the A19 depending if he's on his way to Wearside!

> PAUL FRASER

11:12am

11:12am

11:02am

10:49am

10:48am

Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett is expected to make a move back to St Mirren on loan. The full-back was brought back from the Buddies and featured for 45 minutes in the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup earlier this month.

10:41am

That's an interesting one from Echo Sports Editor Nick Loughlin, who is on the Hartlepool United beat. He's confirmed that John Hughes won't be in the market for any players today. That's not to say he won't be strengthening his squad. Remember, Football League clubs still have the emergency loan market and we understand that Pools will be looking to exploit that as they continue their fight against relegation from League One.

Here's what Nick wrote today in the paper.

10:29am

10:27am

10:23am

While you're waiting for the real excitement to kick in - and I'm not suggesting that the early morning of a transfer deadline day is in any way a boring affair - here's a bit of a song to get you going. It's a parody of Sky Sports News and all the movers and shakers in this window. The fella who did it has too much time on his hands, but don't we all?

10:14am

That's a bit of an unexpectedly exciting start to the day, with news of Middlesbrough looking to derail Danny Graham's move to Sunderland. I've got visions of Steve Gibson loading the A19 with a stinger device next to the Cleveland Tontine, attempting to literally stop the player en-route to the Academy of Light.

Our Chief Football Writer Paul Fraser is over at Rockliffe at lunchtime and will bring you the latest on it.

It's a curveball. Throughout the window our conversations with Mowbray has thrown nothing like this up. If it proves to be the case, it would be a dramatic signal of intent from Gibson and Middlesbrough.

They're short of a genuine goalscorer and Graham could provide the goals to fire Boro into the Premier League. £5m would seem like money well spent considering the increased revenues on offer in the top flight.

Let's wait and see.

> RICHARD MASON

9:04am

9:04am

9:04am

9:03am

9:03am

DEADLINE day is here and we have already had the first incredible twist.

Middlesbrough, sitting sixth in the Championship, have attempted to derail Sunderland's bid for striker Danny Graham.

Graham is expected at the Academy of Light this morning for a medical and to complete the formalities ahead of a £5.5m switch from Swansea City.

But it has emerged that Middlesbrough, Graham's old club, have made a dramatic late move for the striker. The Swans' interest in Marvin Emnes is what could be the key bargaining tool.

That said, though, will rest largely on what Graham wants. Will the reaction of Sunderland's fans towards him on Tuesday night persuade him to head for Teesside instead?

> PAUL FRASER