With the transfer window in full swing, we bring you the four biggest transfer stories involving Premier League clubs doing the rounds today...

Newcastle agree Bentaleb loan

According to The Northern Echo, Newcastle United have agreed a loan deal for midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, who will join them for the remainder of the season from FC Schalke. The Algerian international is a familiar name to the Premier League audience having initially risen through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur.

He made 66 appearances for the London club before joining Schalke on loan in summer 2017 and later signing for them permanently. However, he hasn't featured at all this season due to disciplinary problems and now returns to the English top flight, this time with a Magpies side looking to avoid being hauled into the relegation battle during the second half of the campaign.

Roberto signs for Alaves

West Ham have confirmed that summer signing Roberto has joined Alaves on loan for the remainder of the season. The Spaniard only made ten appearances for the Hammers but struggled to deputise for Lukasz Fabianski, committing a number of costly errors including inadvertently punching the ball into his own net.

The former Espanyol man will now spend the rest of the campaign back in Spain, and his departure is likely linked to the recent arrival of Darren Randolph, who made his second debut for the Irons after re-joining them from Middlesbrough earlier this month. No.1 Fabianski remains sidelined for the time being, however.

Call yourself a Premier League expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

Spurs want Islam Slimani

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are interested in signing Leicester City's on-loan striker Islam Slimani, having failed to score in their last three games amid the absence of star centre-forward Harry Kane. Slimani has never made much of an impression in the Premier League - his return stands at eight goals in 39 appearances -  but he's been in electric form on loan at Monaco this season, bagging seven goals and seven assists.

It is claimed Jose Mourinho wants a traditional target man to lead the line and Slimani certainly fits that profile. However, as he's already out on loan currently any deal for the 31-year-old would certainly have its complications, and it remains to be seen whether Leicester would directly strengthen one of their key rivals in the race for a top four finish.

United desperate for Rashford replacement

Speaking of clubs seeking solutions to injured front men, Sky Sports claim Manchester United are desperate to sign a replacement for Marcus Rashford, after it was revealed that he's suffered a stress fracture in his back - potentially keeping the England international sidelined until March.

United's recruitment staff have reportedly been told to "scour all available attacking options", while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted that the club will seek a short-term deal - in other words, a loan signing for the remainder of the campaign.

Having parted with Romelu Lukaku during the summer, Solskjaer's current strike options are limited to Anthony Martial and youngster Mason Greenwood.