Premier League clubs hold fire in quiet transfer window

Manchester United's capture on Thursday of Portuguese international midfielder Bruno Fernandes for an initial 55 million euros (£47 million, $61 million) that could rise to 80 million euros in add-ons, was by a distance the biggest move of the month.

Deals were difficult to do for even some of the world's richest clubs as Chelsea, Tottenham and United were frustrated in their search for a striker.

Total spending for the month by English clubs was marginally up from last season's £180 million ($234 million), but well short of the record £430 million outlay in 2018.

The mid-season window is increasingly seen as an undesirable time to do business for clubs wary of overpaying in a seller's market.

"We would need a striker to have a better squad to face the great challenges in front of us in three different competitions," said Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, who must cope without England captain Harry Kane for most of the remainder of the season.

"But we want to do things not to resolve the problems of today or tomorrow but things that are also good for the future."

Spurs did make one significant signing in Dutch international winger Steven Bergwijn for £27 million from PSV Eindhoven as well as making Giovani Lo Celso's loan deal from Real Betis into a permanent move to replace Christian Eriksen, who finally departed for Inter Milan.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard cut the most frustrated figure as the Blues failed to add a single player despite seeing their transfer ban lifted.

"It's clear we wanted to bring players in and I've made that pretty clear over the last weeks but it hasn't happened," said Lampard on Friday.

Chelsea's stumbling form has left the door open for United, Tottenham and Wolves to pip them to fourth and a place in next season's Champions League.

Despite bolstering a midfield badly in need of reinforcements by completing their long-running chase of Fernandes, United also left themselves light up front by failing to sign any cover for the injury Marcus Rashford.

Wolves pounced by adding to their Portuguese contingent with the signing of Daniel Podence from Olympiakos.

Liverpool had no such need to dive into market as they sit serenely 19 points clear at the top of the table and on course for a first league title in 30 years.

However, the Reds' leapt on a £7.25 million buyout clause in Japanese international Takumi Minamino's contract with Red Bull Salzburg.

"The better the season is, the better the squad is, the less you have to do, the more you are happy with the players you have," said Jurgen Klopp.

Sheffield United armed their attempt to qualify for Europe for the first time with a club record £22 million signing of Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge from Genk.

At the bottom of the table, Aston Villa and West Ham were the most active in trying to preserve their top-flight status.

Villa brought in Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta and experienced goalkeeper Pepe Reina as cover for long-term injuries suffered by Tom Heaton and Wesley.

West Ham had a busy final few days as they secured the loan signing of Czech international Tomas Soucek and were working on a £20 million move for Hull striker Jarrod Bowen.