A Question of Sport Teaser

Here's a special TDD #QSTeaser, external from @QuestionofSport, external: On four of the last five January deadline days, Chelsea have paid the highest fee for one player. Which four players?

The question strictly relates to the final day of the January transfer window. We'll bring you the answer later on.

Newcastle may have decided to go a lavish shopping spree, but splashing the cash is not always the best route to Premier League survival. Just ask Leicester.

"Leicester didn’t spend loads last season, instead they changed the system and went for it," says ex-Foxes skipper Matt Elliott. "And look at them now!"

"Croatia striker Andrej Kramaric was bought for £9m but he played a bit part and wasn’t one of the main reasons Leicester turned it around.

"That suggest that throwing money at it isn't always necessary, but bringing in the right players usually gives relegation-threatened teams a boost."

We hear that Manuel Pellegrini is the bookmakers' favourite to become the next Chelsea manager...

Mark: You can update your poll now, Pep is the best signing of the window!  

Mohammed Hafejee: Scenes if we get Bayern in CL quarters.

Daniel Woodley: Fair play to Manuel Pellegrini who has remained dignified and respectful throughout. A man who should be applauded & respected.

Image source, PA

Bournemouth
Gareth Davies, Cherries fan and programme contributor

"Bournemouth’s transfer window so far has been a mixed bag. Granted a striker to fill the void left by Callum Wilson’s long term injury has been forthcoming, but Benik Afobe aside, re-signing Lewis Grabban and a loan for Juan Iturbe are puzzling. 

"It almost seems like Eddie Howe has strengthened his squad, but not quite in the right areas as a midfielder and centre-half were seen by many to be the top priority other than a replacement for Wilson.

"Grabban’s fee seems high and is he the same player that left for Norwich in 2014? As for Iturbe, the diminutive winger certainly comes into the ‘unfulfilled potential’ category and whether that changes will depend on how the Roma loanee adapts to the English game."

Not much goings on at Bournemouth. I've seen them linked, external with Jermain Defoe this morning, but would Sunderland really be willing to let the striker go to a rival?

Here's one for you: Is Pep over-rated?

He inherited two very good sides - a Barcelona one with Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta in it and a Bayern side with Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and a host of German World Cup winners.

Just throwing it out there...

After all, it won't take long to determine if he can do it on a Tuesday night in Stoke.

Image source, Getty Images

Guardiola's 14 trophies came in four years at Barcelona, including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

Take that hit rate wouldn't you Man City fans?

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"Hull City are very close to signing Nick Powell on loan from Manchester Uhited until the end of the season."

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

"The announcement that Pep Guardiola is to be the next Manchester City coach is not a huge surprise - but the timing is with Manuel Pellegrini still in charge and still in serious contention for four trophies.

"What is beyond question, however, is that this is the most powerful statement of intent from Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners that they intend to construct a club to stand alongside any in world football.

"Guardiola, 45, is the game's most coveted coach with a history of claiming the top prizes. The combination of the charismatic Catalan's coaching brilliance and the financial backing he will receive makes this a partnership the rest of football world could come to fear."

If Saido Berahino does leave The Hawthorns today then where is he going to end up?

Spurs led the chase in the summer, while Newcastle tried to steal a march today by submitting a £21m offer.

"A couple of clubs have put in massive offers," says former Leicester skipper Matt Elliott. "Maybe even Leicester might be tempted to make one because he certainly fits the bill in terms of goalscoring potential.

“Ideally he’d want to go to a club more established in terms of position than Newcastle who, although are throwing a lot of money at it, aren’t guaranteed to stay up.

“But I think Spurs are more likely to get him than Newcastle. Upfront is the one area where Spurs lack depth and if Berahino came in then it would add another option.”

Tom Simpson, London: I'm very suspicious as to why, of all the days to do it, Man City have decided to make this announcement on deadline day. Is there a big signing they are trying to lure with the guarantee of Pep as manager next season?...   

Image source, Getty Images

Is England cricketer James Taylor a City fan?

West Brom confirm the arrival of midfielder Alex Pritchard on loan from Tottenham.

Alex Stewart
Football Manager computer game expert

"Imbula could be a really excellent signing if his real performances equate to his FM development. 

"In 2018 in my save, he’s still at Porto and worth just under £30m with three stellar seasons behind him. 

"His passing, technique, and first touch are all high, and his remarkably well-rounded mental and physical attributes make him a dynamic, capable central midfielder. £18m is a lot for Stoke, but Imbula looks worth every penny."

We have asked Football Manager expert Alex Stewart - a man who is no stranger to snaffling bargains and spotting potential, all from the comfort of his own laptop on the popular computer game - to offer an alternative perspective on the transfer market.

Trevor Sinclair
Former England winger on Football Focus

"I don't think Pep Guardiola has to bring in too many players - if you look at Manuel Pellegrini's record at the club he's played 144 games, won 92 and drawn 20. 

"Manchester City are pretty successful, but in bringing in the best manager in the world - and combining that with the spending power they have at their disposal to bring in one or two world class players - then you won't be far away from winning the Champions League, which is where they want to be."

Manchester City

It's fair to say the decibel level inside the BBC Sport office went up a notch when that announcement was made by City. 

Back on TDD in 2008, the club were taken over by their current owners and were suddenly bankrolling a move for Robinho.

They know how to 'win' TDD. That's TDD 2016 in the bag for the Blues.

Next TDD? Sign Lionel Messi.

Newcastle United

We gave this the DONE DEAL treatment earlier, but Newcastle have also now confirmed that striker Seydou Doumbia has joined the club.