Why does the January transfer window close at 11pm TONIGHT?

AFTER a busy transfer window for many clubs in the Premier League, the January deadline is upon us.

Deals this month have included Philippe Coutinho moving to Barcelona from Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk leaving Southampton to join Liverpool and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund.

There are still a number of deals expected to happen before the window closes.

What time does January transfer window shut?

THE January Transfer Window opened on New Year's Day and will close on the last day of the month. 

The official deadline is at 11pm but as long as long as the paperwork is submitted, transfers can be announced after that time.

This is for both signings and loan players.

Why does it shut at 11pm?

CLUBS have one hour following the completion of Premier League games to complete deals before the end of the transfer window. 

But there is a way which means clubs can complete deals AFTER the 11pm deadline.

From 9pm on deadline day, teams can submit a "deal sheet" to let authorities know that an agreement has been made - even if the paper work is not ready.

This means that clubs can send paperwork up to 1pm.

What Premier League games are being played on deadline day?

THERE are seven Premier League games taking place on Wednesday, January 31. 

These include Bournemouth travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on current champions Chelsea and Tottenham welcoming Manchester United to Wembley.

The full fixture list is:

Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Everton vs Leicester

Newcastle vs Burnley

Southampton vs Brighton

Manchester City vs West Brom

Stoke vs Watford

Tottenham vs Manchester United