Transfer news LIVE: Manchester United confirm Alexis Sanchez signing as Henrikh Mkhitaryan joins Arsenal

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's transfer live blog, where we'll keep you up-to-date with the latest news, rumours and done deals throughout the day during the January transfer window.

We''ll bring you the latest developments in the swap deal between Arsenal and Manchester United, with the two clubs set to announce the signings of Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan after the pair completed their medicals on Sunday.

But who else could be on the move? Don't touch that dial... 

Where else to start?

It may not have been announced yet but this picture has been doing the rounds on social media overnight with Alexis Sanchez pictured in a Manchester United shirt with the No 7 branded on his back.

Will we finally get an announcement today?

Looks like there was also cause for celebration for Henrikh Mkhitaryan last night as well.

The incoming Arsenal star turned 29 on Sunday and posted a picture of himself with his agent Mino Raiola and soon-to-be former teammate Paul Pogba.

Rafael Benitez insists Newcastle United need to be active in the final weeks of the January transfer window to add Premier League experience to their squad, though he fears the club may have left it too late to secure all his targets.

Despite last week’s breakdown in takeover talks between owner Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley, Benitez claimed to have received assurances over signings, even though the club is yet to enter the market this month.

“We have been working very hard to get the players we need to stay up. We gave a list to the owner and we have to wait and see what we can do,” Benitez said on Saturday.

“They know the names, whether loans or permanent. I need bodies with experience. The majority of this team were in the Championship, so they don’t have much experience of the Premier League. We need that. We need players to give us something different. Quality or experience.

“We’ll see how many we can get. It’s a little bit late now.”

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Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has been spotted in Dortmund and is believed to be there to hold talks with the Bundesliga club over a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsene Wenger said the deal was “nowhere near done” on Saturday but it appears as though that is about to change.

Chelsea could be set for a double raid on Roma with former Manchester City striker Eden Hazard and defender Emerson Palmieri both set to join the Stamford Bridge club.

Sporting director Monchi refused to rule out the possibility of the sales on the weekend.

“Whatever happens will be done thinking about what’s best for the club and the team,” he said. “In my mind is always the desire to strengthen the squad, which is my job.

“My work is 365 days a year. We are always ready to seek and find players for the present and the future. ‘It’s not just one or two days looking for players.”

Robin van Persie looks like his next move is confirmed...

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker is set to return home to Feyenoord today.

Thomas Lemar has reportedly dealt Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea a massive blow in their attempt to sign him from Monaco.

According to the Daily Star the Frenchman has made it clear that he wants to move to La Liga to join Barcelona.

Where a door closes, a window opens.

Chief sports writer Jonathan Liew reassures Arsenal fans that just because Alexis Sanchez is lost, it doesn't mean it is all bad news...

READ MORE BELOW

  ↵Stoke City manager Paul Lambert has told Chelsea that Peter Crouch is not for sale – but a deal for the striker could yet materialise.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen to sign a target man and, after a proposed move for West Ham’s Andy Carroll was scuppered by injury, the Italian has switched his attention elsewhere.

Lambert held talks with Crouch this week and although his future was not discussed the Scot revealed his determination to hang on the player.

“I’ve no intention of letting him go,” Lambert said. “He’s got a great work ethic, knows the game really well and an absolutely fantastic professional the way he conducts himself. That alone to a club is huge.

“His game hasn’t changed since he was a young guy. He’s never going to run in behind - that’s not his game. But what he has got is an incredible presence. Lovely touch for a big guy. If there’s a nicer person in football I’ve yet to meet him.”