WHAT'S going on around the region during this month's transfer window, sports writer Michael Ramsay keeps you updated.

NEWCASTLE

With PSG and Arsenal rumoured to be preparing multi-million pound bids for Moussa Sissoko, wouldn’t it be typical of Mike Ashley to pocket the cash and plump for the cheapest of replacements?

MK Dons’ 18-year-old midfielder Dele Alli has been linked with a move to Tyneside since last summer, and recent reports have suggested that they may be prepared to test the League One outfit’s resolve with a bid.

Considering the likes of Gael Bigirimana and Haris Vuckic seem to have fallen by the wayside, is another teenage midfielder needed?

Likelihood rating: ***

It’s not often Newcastle try to model themselves on one of their North-East neighbours, but if they try to tempt a Real Madrid assistant coach to St James’ Park then they might just emulate Aitor Karanka’s success story at Middlesbrough.

Of course, there has been nothing but speculation linking Paul Clement with the vacancy, but that hasn’t stopped Carlo Ancelotti’s No 2 from ruling it out, claiming that he feels ‘it’s best to stay here in the near future and gain more experience’.

Likelihood rating: *

SUNDERLAND 

The big story of the morning sees Darren Fletcher linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but it’s his namesake that could be on the move this window if reports are to be believed. With Hull City experiencing something of an injury crisis up front, Steve Bruce has been linked with a £6m bid for Steven Fletcher.

Likelihood rating: ***

A year ago, Jermain Defoe was deemed surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and was on the move in search of first-team football ahead of the upcoming World Cup. With a scarcity of options available to him, he fled to Toronto where he has been dogged by injury since.

Returning to England a year later, the former Spurs hitman reportedly has as many as ten Premier League clubs queuing up for his signature. With a swap deal involving Jozy Altidore having been mooted recently, the latest story sees Defoe linked with a move to Wearside in a deal, including wages, reputedly worth £14m.

Likelihood rating: ***

MIDDLESBROUGH

Not only has Preston North End midfielder Alan Browne caught the eye of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill with some impressive performances at Deepdale, but the Corkman is believed to be on Aitor Karanka’s wish-list at the Riverside Stadium.

Boro scouts have reportedly been making repeated visits to watch the 19-year-old in action, and Preston boss Simon Grayson may be bracing himself for a bid in the coming weeks.

Likelihood rating: ***