Even in its absence, however, the top flight has still been at the root of plenty of gossip and speculation, with Brighton never too far away from the headlines after a mixed start to the campaign.
As always, we’ve gathered all of the latest news from around the web – click and scroll through to get up to date with all of the most recent updates.
1. Gerrard touted for Leeds role
Noel Whelan has argued that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard would be an ideal replacement for Marcelo Bielsa when the Argentine eventually decides to call time on his tenure at Leeds. (Football Insider) Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol
2. St. Etienne look to offer Slimani escape route
Saint Etienne are keen to sign Leicester City forward Islam Slimani and offer him a way out of his Premier League nightmare. The Algerian has struggled in England, and also had a doomed loan spell at Newcastle United. (L'Equipe) Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan
3. Man City will not sign Messi in January
Contrary to recent reports, Manchester City will not sign Lionel Messi in January. The Argentine is out of contract next year, but his exit would be made too difficult by the fact that Barcelona are still yet to appoint a new club president. (Mundo Deportivo) Photo by Ernesto Benavides - Pool/Getty Images Photo: Pool
4. Newcastle target prolific midfielder
Newcastle United are monitoring the situation of Austrian midfielder Raphael Holzhauser. The 27-year-old has hit nine goals and eight assists in 12 league matches for Belgian side Beerschot so far this season. (Jeunes Footeux) Photo by Kristof Van Accam/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images Photo: KRISTOF VAN ACCOM