T he January transfer window in England may have closed long ago, but Thursday was loan deadline day in the Football League, with the loan window re-opened from 9th February until today. There have been plenty of interesting last-minute moves going through involving Championship sides in particular. Here are eight of the most noteworthy…

Eight of the best… Emergency Loan Deadline Day Deals:

Nathan Ake – Chelsea to Reading

Reading have pulled off quite a coup in persuading Chelsea to loan them 20-year-old Dutch defender/ midfielder Nathan Ake on an initial one-month deal, with option to extend.

The Chelsea youngster has been involved in the Blues’ first-team squad this season, but manager Jose Mourinho has handed him just two League Cup starts and two substitute appearances in the Champions League and FA Cup.

With former Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke in charge at the Madjeski Stadium, he’s pulled a favour with his former employers to sign a player who will gain valuable first-team experience in the final weeks of the season. The only downside for the Berkshire side is that the U-21 international cannot play in their FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal, as he’s cup-tied.

“I’m delighted to add a player of Nathan’s quality to our first team squad at this important time of the season. He has been a fixture in Chelsea’s first team squad this season and we are grateful that Chelsea have allowed him to join us here at Reading to get some competitive minutes on the pitch,” explained Clarke. “He is a very talented player who I have been aware of for some time and I look forward to working with Nathan in the coming weeks.”

Reece James – Manchester United to Huddersfield Town

18th-placed Huddersfield Town snapped up versatile Manchester United youngster Reece James until the end of the season. The 21-year-old had an earlier loan spell with Championship outfit Rotherham, making seven appearances. He’s been a regular starter for United’s Under-21 side and will now gain more action at the John Smith’s Stadium.

“He excelled in a loan period in the Championship earlier this season and he possesses the quality that we need to cover for the unfortunate recent loss of Jack Robinson to injury,” said Terriers boss Chris Powell. “Reece is comfortable at left back or in a more advanced wing back role, which suits our style perfectly.”

Read Manager Chris Powell's thoughts on #htafc's new loan signing Reece James here! http://t.co/WnU5ZrL30o (DTS) pic.twitter.com/XhBAXjhLJS — Huddersfield Town (@htafcdotcom) March 26, 2015

Chuba Akpom – Arsenal to Nottingham Forest

In-demand Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom had the choice of three or four Championship sides, but it is Nottingham Forest who have come up trumps in signing the England Under-20 international.

Good luck to @cakpom, who will spend the rest of the season at Nottingham Forest – http://t.co/WonwIc8E6J pic.twitter.com/4T0H2c2Kfr — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 26, 2015

Akpom, who has made seven substitute appearances for Arsene Wenger’s first team so far this season, joins Dougie Freedman’s side, who are looking an outside bet for a play-off spot with eight games to play.

The forward scored for England’s U20 side in their 1-1 draw against Mexico on Wednesday and the City Ground faithful will be hoping his goals can provide a boost at the business end of the season.

It has been rumoured that Liverpool have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old.

Kwesi Appiah – Crystal Palace to Reading

Alongside Nathan Ake, Reading have also taken Crystal Palace forward Kwesi Appiah on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old had a loan spell at Cambridge United earlier in the campaign where he scored eight goals for the U’s, and Reading will be hoping he can rediscover that goalscoring form for them.

Having represented Ghana at the African Cup of Nations, the striker will be looking to get some game time under his belt before the end of the season.

Zeki Fryers – Crystal Palace to Ipswich Town

Another Palace youngster making the move down to the Championship for a loan spell is former Manchester United and Tottenham defender Zeki Fryers.

The 22-year old has found it difficult to break into the Eagles side since his August move from Spurs and the left-back will be hoping he can help the Tractor Boys into the Championship play-offs. He will act as cover with Tyrone Mings missing the next two games through suspension.

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Kenwyne Jones – Cardiff to Bournemouth

An inter-Championship move sees Trinidad & Tobago international Kenwyne Jones moving to current league leaders Bournemouth until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old, who has Premiership experience with Stoke, Sunderland and Southampton will help provide the Cherries with some added firepower as Eddie Howe seeks to guide the South Coast side to the top flight.

He’s already scored 13 goals in 36 appearances for Cardiff this season and will provide cover and competition for Callum Wilson, Yann Kermorgant and Brett Pitman. His arrival (and experience) could prove a masterstroke from Bournemouth, although many in Wales will be questioning Russell Slade’s decision to let him go.

Jordan Lussey – Liverpool to Bolton

With Neil Lennon’s Bolton side just 10 points above the Championship relegation zone, they have moved to bring in highly-rated Liverpool youngster Jordan Lussey to the Reebok Stadium.

The 20-year-old midfielder has progressed through the academy with the Merseysiders and even travelled with the first-team to Turkey for their recent Europa League clash with Besiktas. Like fellow talents Sheyi Ojo and Jerome Sinclair, he has been allowed to move on a short-term loan in order to gain experience.

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Dwight Tiendalli – Swansea to Middlesbrough

As crunch time in the season arrives for Middlesbrough, manager Aitor Karanka has dipped into the loan market, signing Swansea fullback Dwight Tiendalli until the season’s end.

Having been limited to just six appearances with the Swans, the Dutch international has welcomed a switch to the Riverside as the Teesiders look for an automatic promotion berth. The arrival of Kyle Naughton at the Liberty Stadium had limited his first-team chances since January.

What was the best loan signing of the window? Let us know below or on Twitter @JustFootball:

(photo credit: GotCredit via Flickr)