With today full of EPL matches and the transfer deadline closing, we knew it would be a wild ride. But the results of those games and the transfers that did (and didn’t) happen have our heads spinning! Plus, rumors are flying in hard and fast that Edson Buddle will be making a return to MLS. And in the wackiest story we’ve heard in a while, a pitch invader tried out something a little different from the usual “run around on the field like an idiot” routine…all that and more, here’s your Daily Kick Around!

Deadline Day

This is just about the only thing the footy world is talking about today. The January transfer window closed today, and plenty of last minute wheeling and dealing went down. Most recent big name moves, Louis Saha was sent to Tottenham Hotspur and Bobby Zamora has signed on at QPR. For a full look at the deals made today, go here!

Major League Soccer

While all the chatter today is focused on overseas signings, transfers and loans, there has been plenty to talk about here in MLS. It was revealed earlier today that Sebastian Le Toux was traded from the Philadelphia Union to the Vancouver Whitecaps. The fact that Le Toux is leaving the Union wasn’t surprising, but many expected him to go overseas, instead of across the border to Canada.

The other big MLS news of the day isn’t exactly official news. What we can tell you is this: Edson Buddle’s contract has been terminated by Ingolstadt of Germany’s second division, therefore he is on the market. Across the Twitterverse today, rumors were running rampant that the former LA Galaxy striker might be returning to MLS. Should Buddle return to MLS, the Galaxy has the first right of refusal, so should they decide to take him, LA would have an insanely stacked offensive lineup with him, Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Robbie Keane. And it seems that move back to the Galaxy is all but official.

And finally, another new acquisition in MLS today: the Portland Timbers claimed US U-20 player Charles Renken off of waivers. The 18 year old has been in the youth system since 2005 and is a fantastic pick up for the Timbers.

 English Premier League

Transfers, signings and loans aside, there was actually some soccer played today! Hard to focus, I know, but these were important games. Both Manchester United and Manchester City played, and going into the day, United sat three points behind City in the league table. By the end of the day, however, that would change.

Manchester United defeated Stoke City 2-0, with both goals coming from penalty kicks. The first was scored by Chicharito, and the second by Dimitar Berbatov. United dominated the match, and surprisingly weren’t able to put any more goals on the board. But a win is a win, and the Red Devils gladly claimed all three points.

Manchester City on the other hand, took on Everton. The league leaders were stunned by the Toffees at Goodison Park, as American Landon Donovan–on loan from the LA Galaxy–assisted former United player Darron Gibson. Gibson scored the game-winning goal in the second half, and Everton keeper Tim Howard managed to keep the Blues off the score sheet. A 1-0 Toffees win helped United pull even with City in the EPL table.

If you missed any of the other EPL action today, head here for full match recaps!

And finally, in the wildest moment of a day full of madness, we bring you this: a crazed fan handcuffed himself to City keeper Joe Hart’s left goal post during the match today. I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a pitch invader doing that before. It took a few minutes to cut the handcuffs off and detach the man from the post. While his act was certainly bizarre, I will say this: at least he didn’t decide to go streaking and THEN attach himself to the post. That would have been a real nightmare.