1. Douglas Luiz Set for Aston Villa Return
A major midfield move is in the works as Douglas Luiz is poised to re‑join Aston Villa this month. Fabrizio Romano reports that a verbal agreement has been reached for the Brazilian midfielder to return on loan from Juventus, where he has been this season.
Villa see Luiz — a fan favourite from his first stint — as key reinforcement amid injury concerns and squad depth issues.
The deal looks increasingly likely to be Villa’s fourth January signing, adding Premier League experience and creativity to their central engine room.
2. James Ward‑Prowse to Undergo Burnley Medical
In east Lancashire, West Ham midfielder James Ward‑Prowse is on the verge of joining Burnley on loan for the rest of the season.
The 31‑year‑old England international has been out of favour under West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo and agreed to the move after talks resumed following earlier uncertainty.
Ward‑Prowse’s set‑piece quality and Premier League experience will be vital for Burnley as they battle relegation, and the loan does not include a permanent option.
3. West Ham Secure Adama Traoré From Fulham
Meanwhile, West Ham United have completed the signing of winger Adama Traoré from Fulham, bringing the 30‑year‑old Spaniard to the London Stadium on a permanent deal.
Traoré reunites with manager Nuno Espírito Santo, under whom he enjoyed some of his best football during his Wolves years.
Traoré’s pace and direct attacking play are expected to add fresh options to West Ham’s flanks in a crucial relegation fight — following earlier arrivals such as Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe.
4. The Mateta Saga: Where Could He Go?
Jean‑Philippe Mateta’s future at Crystal Palace remains one of the most intriguing unsettled stories of this transfer window.
The French striker has expressed a desire to leave, with Nottingham Forest lodging a formal bid around £35 million for his services.
While Palace are holding out for closer to their £40m valuation, negotiations are ongoing.
Possible destinations for Mateta include:
Nottingham Forest — currently the front‑runner, having submitted an official offer that could yet be improved.
Juventus — still interested but reportedly around £10m short of Palace’s valuation in recent talks.
Other Premier League clubs — there’s been scouting chatter and rumoured interest from sides like Newcastle United, who could see Mateta as part of a push for goals in a Champions League race.
Despite the interest, Aston Villa appear less likely to pursue Mateta now, having focused their attacking recruitment on securing Tammy Abraham.
If Mateta does leave Selhurst Park this month, Palace are likely to search the market for a replacement — with Jørgen Strand Larsen among names linked as potential successors.
5. What It Means for the Final Sprint
As the January transfer window enters its final week:
Aston Villa bolster midfield with Luiz and strengthen attack with Abraham.
West Ham continue reshaping their squad with Traoré’s arrival and Ward‑Prowse’s exit.
Mateta’s situation could trigger a late‑window scramble with multiple clubs tracking his next move.
With deals still in motion and valuations being negotiated, we can expect plenty of drama before the deadline hits — especially around strikers and creative midfielders.
Stay tuned as clubs push to finalise their business in the next few days.
