The January transfer window has almost reached the halfway stage but the majority of clubs in the Premier League have kept their pennies in their respective pockets so far.

The division is competitive as ever and teams appear to be taking longer to assess their targets before splashing the cash.

Jonjo Shelvey's switch from Swansea to Newcastle remains the biggest deal of the month but that could change when Arsenal's deal for Mohamed Elneny finally gets over the line in the next day or so.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are in the market for a striker.

Alan Pardew's side have struggled for goals in recent weeks - as their 1-0 defeat to strugglers Aston Villa highlighted - and could do with reinforcements.

Connor Wickham is the only Eagles forward to find the net in the top flight this season and Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani has emerged as a target in south London.

But the Algeria international, who is valued at around £12m according to reports, has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal's men may have shrugged off their boring tag courtesy of a 3-3 draw with Newcastle but it cannot be denied the Red Devils look a little short up top, even if Wayne Rooney seems to be returning to form.

Slimani has scored 13 goals in 16 league games for the Portuguese giants this season and has had a solid strike rate throughout his career, but is he the answer to the problems at either Selhurst Park or Old Trafford?

For more on this story - and others - check out the latest installment of the transfer blog!

Please wait a moment to allow the blog to load.