Image source, Steve Parish

Done deal klaxon.

Crystal Palace complete the signing of Lille full-back Pape Souare - who played for Senegal in the Africa Nations Cup.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish announced the deal on his Twitter feed,, external saying: "Delighted that @papesouare has just this minute signed for #cpfc . A warm welcome from all of us".

Souare, 24, becomes Alan Pardew's third signing of the week after the arrivals of Jordon Mutch and Shola Amoebi. Busy, busy, busy.

Drama in this evening's Championship match between Bournemouth and Watford.

Watford's Gabriele Angella has been shown a red card for a tackle on the hosts' Callum Wilson and it is fair to say the visitors are not happy.

It is very difficult to see how that is a straight red card.

Great opportunity for league leaders Bournemouth to stretch their advantage though.

Another Premier League done deal is Scott Sinclair's loan switch from Manchester City until the end of the season.

The former Chelsea and Swansea City player, 25, has become one of football's forgotten men.

"I believe I have my best years ahead of me," Sinclair said.

Image source, AFP

There haven't been a great deal of transfers completed today but here is one.

Swansea City signed midfielder Jack Cork, 25, from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

The two teams play each other on Sunday but the deal was completed after Friday's 12:00 GMT registration deadline. So he won't be involved.

I'm sure the timing wasn't accidental by the Saints.

Jim Hearson:, external Benedict Cumberbatch - he does everything else.

Andy Neilson:, external Let's face it anybody would make an excellent fifa president in comparison to @seppblatter.

Jo Lantru:, external Thor. Anyone who dared step out of line would face the wrath of Mjolnir.

If you could choose anyone from any walk of life to run Fifa who would it be and why? Actors, pop singers, politicians, sportspeople, whoever you think could do a job let us know. Tweet #bbcsportsday, external or text 81111 (UK users only).

It couldn't happen, could it?

According to the latest reports in Spanish newspaper AS,, external Manchester United have kept €150 million in reserve to sign Real Madrid's Gareth Bale in the summer.

The Welsh international only joined Los Blancos 18 months ago and his future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months.

What a signing that would be...

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 live: "Frank Lampard has been an incredible player. The goals he has scored have been unbelievable and the fact he can still have an influence is great.

"No one can replace Frank Lampard's goals at Chelsea"

Frank Lampard makes his first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving the club in the summer when Manchester City visit on Saturday. Will he still be a Blues hero come the final whistle? You can listen to the Weekend Football Preview show now by clicking on the Live Coverage tab on this page.

Image source, BBC Sport

With just three days to go until the January transfer window slams shut, BBC Sport's David Ornstein runs the rule over the transfer stories gathering momentum in Gossip Column Extra.

Will Juan Cuadrado complete his move from Fiorentina to Chelsea? Is Burnley striker Danny Ings going to Liverpool? Will Kevin Mirallas and Aaron Lennon swap clubs? There's also news on Darren Fletcher, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jack Cork.

Watch here

Fancy a bit of live football? Your wish is our command.

Why not open up another window for a bit of dual screen action between here and our European football live text.

Runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are in action against second-placed Wolfsburg.

I know my colleague Emlyn Begley would be glad of your company.

On the subject of former Newcastle and Tottenham winger David Ginola pulling out of the race to become the next Fifa president, we thought we would ask you your views.

If you could choose anyone from any walk of life to run Fifa who would it be and why? Actors, pop singers, politicians, sportspeople, whoever you think could do a job let us know.

Tweet #bbcsportsday, external or text 81111 (UK users only)

Image source, AFP

In case you have missed anything in the world of football, here is quick run down of some of the top stories.

Singing the Blues: Chelsea striker Diego Costa should change his game after picking up a three-match ban for stamping, says Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Stamford Bridge arrival?: Chelsea are set to complete the £23.3m signing of Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado, Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has said.

Quelle surprise: David Ginola has confirmed he will not stand against Sepp Blatter in May's Fifa presidential election.

Image source, PA

Three more sleeps, 54 hours, no more school days - yes, we are almost there.

Forget Christmas Eve, or the day before your birthday, for football fans we are approaching one of the most exciting days in the calendar - transfer deadline day.

And for that very reason, we are treating you lucky people to another few hours of live chat this evening, focused specifically on the imminent close of the January sales.

With weather more suitable for penguins, why not sit back and enjoy?

BBC Radio 5 live

What better way to start the weekend than to tune in to the Weekend Football Preview show on BBC Radio 5 live.

It is getting underway at 19:00 GMT, with Mark Chapman presenting the chat ahead of all the weekend's action with the Sunday Times's Jonathan Northcroft, ex-England striker Chris Sutton and former Manchester United assistant Steve Round.

You can also listen by clicking on the Live Coverage tab on this page.

Some breaking news from Scotland as Les Hutchison completes his takeover of Premiership club Motherwell.

Read all about retired businessman Hutchison here.

A bit of good news for Stoke fans as boss Mark Hughes reveals discussions have started about a new deal.

Hughes's appointment on a three-year deal in 2013 wasn't the most popular move in the Potteries - as shown by the picture above - but he has surely won most around now?

"The owners have intimated they would like to sit down and discuss a new contract. The length and terms will be discussed in due course I would imagine. But I'm delighted they want to do it," he said.

Manchester City prospect George Evans has joined Scunthorpe United on loan for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old midfielder spent most of last term on loan at Crewe, where he scored once in 25 appearances.

Drum roll please... Here is the result you have all been waiting for.

We asked you earlier today whether Chelsea striker Diego Costa should change his ways and 53.4% of you voted yes.

I'm not convinced he will listen mind...

The transfers keep coming, with three days left in the transfer window.

Dundee have signed Sheffield United midfielder Stephen McGinn on loan as well securing defender James McPake on a two-year contract extension.

Good news for the Dees fans out there.

Veteran striker Lee Hughes rejoins Kidderminster Harriers, more than 17 years after he left the club.

The 38-year-old started his career with the Harriers, scoring 70 goals in 139 games, before joining West Bromwich Albion in 1997.

Hughes has returned to Aggborough after Conference rivals Forest Green Rovers terminated his contract with them by mutual consent.

Mark Brown:, external If Costa had played like that against Neville's Man U they'd have whinged about it for weeks. Hypocrite.

Oma Isaac:, external Contrary to the media hunt claim by Chelsea Diego Costa has indeed gone scot free all season with his on-field antics.