Monday’s briefing: Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future to be decided on deadline day

Crystal Palace fans face an anxious final day of the winter transfer window as speculation mounts over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future.

Chelsea could also be active before the deadline, while interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is expecting some movement but is desperate to hang on to midfielder Arne Engels.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe does not expect incomings at St James’ Park, and is also determined not to lose any of his senior players.

Glasner stays tight-lipped

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner refused to get involved with transfer talk following his side’s 1-1 draw with 10-man Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was not in the Palace squad amid reports he is on his way to AC Milan to be replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen, who would move from Wolves to Selhurst Park.

Glasner said: “I don’t want to talk about the transfers today because I want to focus on the game, this group of players.

“But if JP leaves, a striker, a number nine comes in and then let’s see what’s happening, but I would prefer not to talk the day before deadline day so much about transfers.”

One in, one out at Chelsea?

Chelsea are reportedly interested in recalling Mamadou Sarr from his season-long loan at their sister club Strasbourg.

However, the Press Association understands fellow 20-year-old defender Aaron Anselmino is closed to heading in the other direction on loan.

No go for Joe

Reports have suggested Fulham have made attempted inquiries about Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock.

The Magpies, however, have no intention of allowing the 26-year-old, who started last Wednesday night’s 1-1 Champions League draw at Paris St Germain and Saturday evening’s 4-1 Premier League defeat at Liverpool, to leave in this window.

Eddie Howe’s midfield options have been reduced in recent weeks by injuries to Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, and Willock turned in his best display for some time at the Parc des Princes.

One player who could be leaving is defender Jamaal Lascelles, who is wanted by Leicester.

Bhoys targeting double swoop

Celtic are closing in on deals to sign Freiburg forward Junior Adamu and Lorient winger Joel Mvuka.

Manager Martin O’Neill confirmed both deals were at an advanced stage ahead of the final day of the transfer window, and that more activity could follow with a central defender on the shopping list.

However, O’Neill insisted he had no knowledge of a reported £14million bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Arne Engels.

Speaking after Sunday’s 2-0 league win over Falkirk, the Celtic boss said: “Honestly, I am telling you, I didn’t know anything about it. If they’ve done it, then they must have done it during the game.

“And I would want it rebuffed. Unless it was £100m. And then I think the board would step in there.”

What’s on today?

The January transfer window closes at 7pm with the opportunity to sign players having been extended until Monday evening as January 31 fell on a weekend.

Promoted Sunderland and Burnley will meet at the Stadium of Light with the Black Cats defending the Premier League’s only remaining undefeated home record against the Clarets, who beat them 2-0 at Turf Moor in August.