Newcastle United have now reportedly launched a shock late offer to sign a £61m star, who Alan Shearer described as "outstanding".
Newcastle slam "complete rubbish" Tonali rumours
Those at St James' Park were given a rude awakening to start their deadline day, with rumours suggesting that Arsenal had made contact over a deal to sign Sandro Tonali.
The Gunners were reportedly looking at the Italian following Mikel Merino's recent injury, but The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has since burst their bubble. He quickly put an end to the rumours and claimed that Newcastle described the story as "complete rubbish" in a strong rebuttal.
Tonali's departure would be a major blow and it comes as no shock that Newcastle's stance is so strong on that front. The Italian has become one of Eddie Howe's most important players even in a tough season for the Magpies boss.
With that rumour squashed, Newcastle have the chance to turn their focus towards potential reinforcements of their own. Several names have already been mooted this month to that end, albeit without any major arrivals making their way to Tyneside.
Whether that changes in the final hours of the window is now the big question. Names like Jhon Duran could still be ones to watch, as the former Aston Villa striker looks to return to the Premier League.
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Marco Silva's side are making a last-gasp dash for him.
He's endured a disappointing spell at Al-Nassr and a loan spell at Fenerbahce hasn't helped. Now, his agent has reportedly offered his services to Newcastle.
He's not the only big name on the Magpies' reported radar, though. A Real Madrid star has also seemingly caught their eye ahead of the deadline.
Newcastle launch offer to sign Dean Huijsen
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle have now launched an offer to sign Dean Huijsen from Real Madrid worth around €40m (£35m), which the Spanish giants have instantly rejected.
Los Blancos only signed the former Bournemouth defender in a deal worth £50m last summer and won't be taking any losses on the Spaniard anytime soon.
If Newcastle want to respond with another offer, they may have to table as much as €70m (£61m) to match Madrid's asking price as the end of the window fast approaches.
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Though expensive, the 20-year-old would arguably be worth every penny. There's very good reason why Madrid splashed the cash to welcome Huijsen last summer and the praise of Shearer only backs that up.
The Newcastle legend said last season: "[Huijsen] very good again. Him and [Illia] Zabarnyi, the two centre-halves, outstanding, both of them were great."
The Dutch defender would be the perfect long-term partner for Malick Thiaw, but it could be too little too late for Newcastle as they reportedly attempt to land a statement signing.