We were promised record-breaking transfer fees and Hollywood arrivals, but the January transfer window has thus far provided just 27 signings in the Premier League - the majority of which have joined clubs fighting for their lives in the bottom half of the table.

But now into the final week of the winter window, we could see the Premier League go into overdrive. We know the English top flight has money to spend and under-fire managers will feel the pressure to use it, whilst those unfortunate souls on the fringes of their first team are desperate to secure a move away.

Manchester United, in particular, appear in need of some January reinforcements, now finding themselves five points off a Champions League spot following a 1-0 defeat to Southampton last weekend. Likewise, a few of their underperformers need to move on.

With that in mind, here are FIVE last-minute deals the Red Devils could pull off before the transfer window slams shut on February 1st.

MAROUANE FELLAINI

Marouane Fellaini has certainly proved himself a useful member of Manchester United's squad during Louis van Gaal's 18-month reign, but he's failed to reproduce the same match-winning impact from last term this season and his technical quality is well below the standard you'd expect at Old Trafford.

Now 28 years of age, verging on the final two years of his contract and desperately struggling for form - his performance against Southampton last weekend was particularly poor - the timing feels right to move the Belgian battering ram on.

United were reportedly in talks with AC Milan earlier this month but the Premier League side want a permanent deal at a cost of around £20million, whilst the San Siro outfit are more open to a loan move.

We've not heard too much gossip since but the Red Devils will almost certainly sell if Milan - or another club - match their alleged asking price.

JAMES RODRIGUEZ

It may be little more than tabloid chatter but recent reports claim Manchester United have held talks with super agent Jorge Mendes over James Rodriguez's potential availability.

The Colombian international hasn't hit the heights expected since signing for Real Madrid after claiming the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup - and later the 2014 Puskas award for his superb strike against Uruguay.

Despite a decent return of 20 goals in 60 appearances, the attacking midfielder has often struggled for fitness and form and recently hit back at critics who claim he's overweight.

Rumour has it the Red Devils could strike up a £60million deal and the 24-year-old would certainly add some much-needed flair to United's efforts in the final third. Real Madrid's impending transfer ban, however, could scupper the move.

RYAN BERTRAND

bertrand

Following injuries to Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian - who now join Antoino Valencia and Luke Shaw in the physio room - Manchester United find themselves facing a real crisis at both full-back positions.

According to the tabloids, that could result in a swoop for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand, who claimed a place in the PFA Team of the Season last term and has continued to impress this year.

The 26-year-old is a reliable defender, a phenomenal athlete and well experienced, having featured for England, Team GB and represented Chelsea in a Champions League final throughout his career.

He'd certainly be a decent stand-in for Luke Shaw but Southampton have made it clear that they won't let any of their key players leave this month unless they receive an incredible offer. Resultantly, United may have to stump up £20million to land Bertrand.

NICK POWELL

With his contract set to expire in the summer, Manchester United are reportedly planning to loan Nick Powell out for the rest of the season to prove he's worthy of a new deal.

The 21-year-old was deemed the most exciting prospect in the Football League when the Red Devils poached him from Crewe in summer 2012 but injuries have severely disrupted his progress at Old Trafford, whilst loan spells with Wigan and Leicester City have ranged from unspectacular to anonymous.

Nottingham Forest and Hull City have both been linked with the attacking-midfielder-come-centre-forward this month and the Championship seems to be the right level for him.

But in typically Powell style, a recent injury appears to be delaying a deal from taking place.

EDINSON CAVANI

Edinson Cavani has become one of the biggest talking points in transfer rumour circles over the last week or so, after PSG boss Laurent Blanc not so subtly hinted he'd be happy to let the striker leave for another club.

The £55million signing has never established himself as truly world class at Parc De Princes but his scoring record remains indisputable, netting an incredible 104 times in 138 appearances for former employers Napoli and 69 goals in 120 outings for the Ligue 1 champions.

With United's need for added firepower well-known - they've scored the fewest times of any club in the Premier League's top six this season - the Carrington outfit are believed to be 'considering' a bid for the Uruguay international.

We've not received any notable updates since, however, and United may deem Cavani financially justifiable at the age of 28.