It was a tumultuous window of transfer wheeler-dealing, with car windows wound down, pens applied to dotted lines and the tectonic plates of the Premier League shifting once again.
Here, BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty analyses the winners and losers as the top-flight's clubs brace themselves for the season run-in:
Arsenal
Key moves in: Nacho Monreal [around £8.3m from Malaga]
Key moves out: Johan Djourou [loan to Hannover 96], Marouane Chamakh [loan to West Ham] , Chuks Aneke [loan to Crewe], Emmanuel Frimpong [loan to Fulham] Loan
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Arsene Wenger is notoriously cautious about buying in January and, despite links with powerful midfielders such as West Ham's Mohamed Diame and a world-class striker in Barcelona's David Villa, he only chose to strengthen with the deadline day addition of Malaga left-back Nacho Monreal. The move appeared to be forced by another injury to Kieran Gibbs and a refusal to rely on his calamitous understudy Andre Santos - so limited Arsenal activity."
McNulty's verdict: "Wenger has cured a problem with the signing of the highly rated Monreal but do Arsenal still remain too lightweight in central midfield?"
Aston Villa
Key moves in: Yacouba Sylla [£2m from Clermont Foot], Simon Dawkins [loan from Tottenham]
Key moves out: Stephen Warnock [free to Leeds]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Randy Lerner gave manager Paul Lambert more than £20m in the summer so there was never going to be any huge outlay in the January window. Villa fans will be very concerned, however, that Lambert was only able to bring in unproven 22-year-old midfield man Yacouba Sylla from French second division side Clermont Foot and Simon Dawkins from Spurs on loan. Former Spurs manager David Pleat has been impressed by Dawkins and he has done well on loan at San Jose Earthquakes."
McNulty's verdict: "Villa have lacked leadership and experience in a desperate campaign. These deals do not solve either of those problems and they face a real battle to stay in the Premier League."
Chelsea
Key moves in: Demba Ba [undisclosed, believed to be £7m, from Newcastle]
Key moves out: Lucas Piazon [loan to Malaga], Sam Walker [loan to Colchester], Billy Clifford [loan to Colchester], Todd Kane [loan to Blackburn], Daniel Sturridge [undisclosed, believed to be £12m, to Liverpool], Patrick Bamford [loan to MK Dons]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Always going to be a quiet window for Chelsea with interim manager Rafael Benitez in place. The addition of Demba Ba was a straight replacement for Daniel Sturridge following his £12m departure for Liverpool. Unlikely to transform Chelsea into title contenders - the next raft of changes will come when the next long-term manager is established."
McNulty's verdict: "Tinkering with a squad falling short as title contenders."
Everton
Key moves in: John Stones [reported £3m from Barnsley]
Key moves out: Ross Barkley [loan to Leeds], Anton Forrester [free to Blackburn Rovers]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Frustrating window for Everton and manager David Moyes. They believed they had pulled off a real coup by signing FC Twente's Leroy Fer in an £8.6m deal only for his medical to reveal a knee problem that forced the transfer to collapse. A move for Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo failed to materialise and the only addition was Barnsley teenager John Stones. One for the future and unlikely to play a major role this season.
"The big plus for Everton is that two of their highly-prized stars, Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, remain and will play a vital role in the rest of the season."
McNulty's verdict: "Everton needed to add numbers to a thin squad but the fates conspired against them. Big worry that injuries could impact on their hopes of finishing in the top four."
Fulham
Key moves in: Chris David [undisclosed from FC Twente] , Emmanuel Frimpong [loan from Arsenal] , Urby Emanuelson [loan from AC Milan], Stanislav Manolev [loan from PSV Eindhoven]
Key moves out: David Stockdale [loan to Hull], Stephen Kelly [undisclosed to Reading]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Fulham manager Martin Jol will be pleased to have fleshed out his squad as he tries to ensure Premier League safety. He has signed a player of pedigree in AC Milan's Urby Emanuelson and his squad has a stronger look about it as the window closes."
McNulty's verdict: "Good window for Fulham and Jol will be confident of improvement."
Liverpool
Key moves in: Daniel Sturridge [undisclosed, believed to be £12m, from Chelsea], Philippe Coutinho [£8.5m from Inter Milan]
Key moves out: Danny Wilson [loan to Hearts], Nuri Sahin [returned to Real Madrid, onto Borussia Dortmund], Joe Cole [free to West Ham], Adam Morgan [loan to Rotherham] , Alexander Doni [free to Botafogo], Michael Ngoo [loan to Hearts]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Liverpool corrected the errors of the previous window by signing a striker early in January with the £12m arrival of Daniel Sturridge. He has already made an impact and Brendan Rodgers is also pleased with the addition of Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan. "Joe Cole and Nuri Sahin departed but their contributions were marginal at best and will not be missed."
McNulty's verdict: "Very good window for Liverpool and another stage in their development."
Man City
Key moves in: Godsway Donyoh [Unattached]
Key moves out: Mario Balotelli [£19m to AC Milan], Alex Nimely [loan to Crystal Palace], Godsway Donyoh [loan to Djurgarden], Jeremy Helan [loan to Sheffield Wednesday], Reece Wabara [loan to Blackpool]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Only one headline - goodbye Mario Balotelli as he returned to Italy with AC Milan. End of a brief and always eventful stay in England. Had not contributed enough this season for there to be too many regrets but Roberto Mancini will hope injuries do not befall Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero."
McNulty's verdict: "A striker light but still a squad capable of winning the Premier League."
Man Utd
Key moves in: Wilfried Zaha [£10m + £5m add-ons from Crystal Palace]
Key moves out: Davide Petrucci [loan to Peterborough], Scott Wootton [loan to Peterborough], Robbie Brady [undisclosed, believed to be £2m, to Hull], Angelo Henriquez [loan to Wigan], Josh King [undisclosed to Blackburn], Luke McCullough [loan to Cheltenham], Wilfried Zaha [loan to Crystal Palace], Federico Macheda [loan to Stuttgart] Federico Macheda [loan to Stuttgart]
Phil McNulty's analysis: " Alex Ferguson has never been a fan of the January window but he took the opportunity to place another building block for the future with a £15m deal for Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha, who will join in July. An exciting talent and another addition to United's attacking resources."
McNulty's verdict: "Ferguson happy with his United squad as they top the table by seven points - and the lack of incomings proved it."
Newcastle
Key moves in: Mathieu Debuchy [undisclosed, believed to be £5m, from Lille], Kevin Mbabu [undisclosed from Servette], Moussa Sissoko [undisclosed from Toulouse], Massadio Haidara [undisclosed from Nancy], Yoan Gouffran [undisclosed from Bordeaux], Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa [undisclosed, believed to be £6.7m, from Montpellier]
Key moves out: Demba Ba [undisclosed, believed to be £7m, to Chelsea], Conor Newton [loan to St Mirren]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Alan Pardew explored the French connection with five new arrivals to pep up his struggling Newcastle side and the signs were good in the victory at Aston Villa. The departure of Demba Ba was a major blow but Pardew received the backing of owner Mike Ashley to strengthen all-round. Mathieu Debuchy is a right-back of real quality and Moussa Sissoko's power and energy looks like it could suit the Premier League perfectly."
McNulty's verdict: "Ba's loss a blow and new arrivals have an element of a gamble, but this is a squad that looks more fit for purpose than it did at the turn of the year."
Norwich
Key moves in: Luciano Becchio [swap deal from Leeds],
Key moves out: Jacob Butterfield [loan to Crystal Palace], Elliott Ward [loan to Nottingham Forest] , Steve Morison [swap deal to Leeds], Declan Rudd [loan to Preston]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Chris Hughton will be disappointed that his January pursuit of Celtic striker Gary Hooper failed to come to fruition but The Canaries will hope Luciano Becchio can transfer his natural goal instincts from the lower divisions to the Premier League after his move from Leeds United."
McNulty's verdict: "Norwich need goals so pressure on Becchio to deliver. But is he Premier League class?"
QPR
Key moves in: Loic Remy [undisclosed, believed to be £8m, from Marseille], Tal Ben Haim [unattached], Christopher Samba [£12.5m from Anzhi Makhachkala - QPR], Yun Suk-Young [undisclosed from Chunnam Dragons], Jermaine Jenas [undisclosed from Tottenham], Andros Townsend [loan from Tottenham]
Key moves out: Djibril Cisse [loan to Al Gharafa], Frankie Sutherland [loan to Portsmouth], Michael Harriman [loan to Wycombe], Alejandro Faurlin [loan to Palermo], Michael Doughty [loan to St Johnstone], Anton Ferdinand [loan to Bursaspor], Jordan Gibbons [loan to Inverness CT], Rob Hulse [loan to Millwall], Djibril Cisse [loan to Al Gharafa]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Turbulence around west London as Harry Redknapp revamped his squad in a bid to beat the drop. The huge financial commitment, especially in the £12.5m deal for Chris Samba, means relegation is now not an option. Loic Remy is required to score the goals and Samba to stop them. Suffered disappointment as deals for Peter Odemwingie and Peter Crouch failed to materialise."
McNulty's verdict: "QPR owner Tony Fernandes has not held back from supporting Redknapp and the club's future may rest on the success of this month's investment."
Reading
Key moves in: Stephen Kelly [undisclosed from Fulham], Hope Akpan [undisclosed from Crawley], Nick Blackman [undisclosed from Sheffield United]
Key moves out: Gozie Ugwu [loan to Plymouth], Dominic Samuel [loan to Colchester], Jordan Obita [loan to Oldham], Michael Hector [loan to Cheltenham]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Cautious investment by Reading to build on recent improvement. Hope Akpan and Nick Blackman are players who Brian McDermott will hope can improve Reading now - but they can play a part in the future, whether they stay up or not."
McNulty's verdict: "Solid rather than spectacular but still a real feelgood mood around Reading with genuine hopes of Premier League survival now."
Southampton
Key moves in: Vegard Forren [undisclosed from Molde]
Key moves out: Dan Seaborne [loan to Bournemouth], Ryan Dickson [loan to Bradford], Sam Hoskins [loan to Stevenage], Jonathan Forte [loan to Sheffield United], Lee Barnard [loan to Oldham], Steve De Ridder [loan to Southampton]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "The biggest move for Southampton in January came in the manager's office, where Nigel Adkins was harshly removed and replaced by Mauricio Pochettino. Despite the shock, early signs have been good and transfer activity was limited to the arrival of defender Vegard Forren from Molde in Norway."
McNulty's verdict: "Pochettino is a coach with a big reputation but he has a hard and popular act to follow. Big decision for Saints to take in January - and a lot riding on it."
Stoke
Key moves in: Jack Butland [£3.5m from Birmingham], Brek Shea [£2.5m from FC Dallas],
Key moves out: Michael Tonge [undisclosed to Leeds], Danny Higginbotham [free to Sheffield United], Rory Delap [loan to Barnsley], Ryan Brunt [undisclosed to Bristol Rovers], Matthew Upson [loan to Brighton]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Stoke held on to Peter Crouch, despite interest from QPR, and Kenwyne Jones, who attracted interest from Swansea. Big pluses in the signing of Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, securing that position for the future, while manager Tony Pulis has exploited the United States market again to sign international winger Brek Shea from FC Dallas."
McNulty's verdict: "Good window for Stoke City as chairman Peter Coates backs Pulis once more."
Sunderland
Key moves in: Kader Mangane [loan from Al Hilal], Alfred N'Diaye [undisclosed from Bursaspor], Danny Graham [£5m from Swansea]
Key moves out: Blair Adams [undisclosed to Coventry], David Meyler [undisclosed, believed to be £1.5m, to Hull], Ahmed Elmohamady [loan to Hull City], Jonny Maddison [loan to Crawley], Fraizer Campbell [undisclosed, believed to be £650,000, to Cardiff City]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Danny Graham was the big arrival in a £5.5m deal from Swansea City and manager Martin O'Neill will be banking on him forming a potent partnership with the prolific Steven Fletcher."
McNulty's verdict: "With Alfred N'Diaye arriving from Bursaspor and Kader Mangane from Al Hilal, O'Neill has added numbers as well as attacking threat to his squad by also signing Graham. He will be satisfied."
Swansea
Key moves in:
Key moves out: Jamie Proctor [undisclosed to Crawley], Danny Graham [£5m to Sunderland], Curtis Obeng [loan to York City], Leroy Lita [loan to Sheffield Wednesday], Ashley Richards [loan to Crystal Palace]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "A quiet month for the Swans, although manager Brian Laudrup has lost striker Danny Graham. Michu is now the main man and he will hope Roland Lamah, a loan signing from Osasuna will add more potency."
McNulty's verdict: "Laudrup's motto: If it isn't broken don't fix it."
Tottenham
Key moves in: Lewis Holtby [reported £1.5m from Schalke], Zeki Fryers [£3m from Standard Liege]
Key moves out: Heurelho Gomes [loan to Hoffenheim], Alex Pritchard [loan to Peterborough], Simon Dawkins [loan to Aston Villa] , Jermaine Jenas [undisclosed to QPR]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Relatively quiet window for Spurs but many fans will fear they could eventually be undermined by the failure to sign another striker. Nacional's Leandro Damaio was a target but to no avail. Lewis Holtby is a very shrewd signing from Schalke 04, with Spurs able to bring the deal forward from July to January."
McNulty's verdict: "Uneventful by Spurs standards - and should they have signed another striker? Time will tell."
West Brom
Key moves in:
Key moves out: Sam Mantom [free to Walsall], Gonzalo Jara [loan to Nottingham Forest], Chris Wood [undisclosed, believed to be £1m, to Leicester], Craig Dawson [loan to Bolton]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "West Brom held on to Peter Odemwingie but at what cost after the acrimony of his failed move to QPR? This saga even included Odemwingie turning up apparently uninvited at Loftus Road hours before the deadline, provoking a very angry response from The Baggies."
McNulty's verdict: "West Brom must hope their hardline stance on Odemwingie does not disrupt a squad that has done so well this season."
West Ham
Key moves in: Wellington Paulista [loan from Cruzeiro], Marouane Chamakh [loan from Arsenal], Joe Cole [free from Liverpool], Sean Maguire [undisclosed from Waterford United]
Key moves out: Stephen Henderson [loan to Ipswich]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "Disappointment on the final day as a deal to sign Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson faltered but great delight that Mohamed Diame is still at Upton Park after so much speculation surrounding the release clause in his contract that clouded his future. Joe Cole and Marouane Chamakh are players with points to prove."
McNulty's verdict: "No news is good news for the Hammers in January. Diame stays and that could prove crucial."
Wigan
Key moves in: Joel Robles [loan from Atletico Madrid], Roger Espinoza [free from Sporting Kansas City], Angelo Henriquez [loan from Manchester United], Paul Scharner [loan from Hamburg]
Key moves out: Rob Kiernan [loan to Brentford], Mauro Boselli [loan to Palermo]
Phil McNulty's analysis: "An old favourite returns as Paul Scharner is back on loan from Hamburg while manager Roberto Martinez has high hopes for Angelo Henriquez, the teenage Chilean striker signed on loan from Manchester United."
McNulty's verdict: "More strength in depth added by Martinez to set Wigan up for the rest of the season. Now can he find the consistency?"
NEVER MIND ALL THAT SHYTE ... HERE'S ...
'Romantic, arrogant, generous, childish, caring, shy':
The many sides of Mario Balotelli by model who left him
Stunning model Tabby Brown, who dated the striker for seven months, opens up about his bizarre lifestyle and the real reason he left Manchester City
Mario Balotelli’s ex-girlfriend has revealed the truth about life with the mixed-up soccer star.
Stunning model Tabby Brown, who dated the striker for seven months, opens up about his bizarre lifestyle and the real reason he left Manchester City for Italian giants AC Milan.
Balotelli, who was paid £120,000 a week, told Tabby he was miserable in Manchester, hated the weather and feared losing his “top-dog” status at the club.
And she reveals he had long been dreaming of the hero’s welcome he received after his £19.5million move to Milan this week.
As Balotelli made his debut in a training ground friendly match yesterday, Tabby, 28, offered a fascinating insight into his complex mind and wild antics.
She said: “The world has always seen Mario as a stroppy, mega-rich footballer... a genius on the pitch but also an arrogant show-off.
"I’ve seen a very different side of him – sensitive, loving and, believe it or not, very shy.
“Sometimes he reminded me of a mixed-up teenager. He means well but then his massive ego and hot temper get him into all sorts of trouble.
“I really fell for Mario – against my better judgment. He told me he wanted us to settle down and have a family.
“Then I found out he was having a baby with his ex, there were constant stories about him partying with other women, and all the ‘she’s just a friend’ texts.
"So I ended it in November. Mario couldn’t believe it and thought he could sweet-talk me into going back to him.
"When he realised there was no chance he took it very badly. His friends said he was angry and messed up by it.
“But that’s because Mario has never been dumped by a woman before. He’s used to getting exactly what he wants.”
B*ll*x
Balotelli’s off-field antics made headlines from the moment he arrived at City from Milan in August 2010.
A car crash, a dart-throwing prank, training ground bust-ups and bizarre shopping trips and the night he set his house on fire with a rocket only endeared him more to fans.
They honoured Balo’s quirky lifestyle with his very own terrace anthem.
And Tabby could certainly have added a verse or two of her own.
For the dark-haired beauty from South London got to see it all.
Tabby, who has modelled for magazines, in ad campaigns here and in the US and appeared in Snoop Dogg and Dizzee Rascal music videos, first met the star in a nightclub in 2011.
He added her as a friend on Facebook then began pestering her for a date.
Tabby said: “I’d vowed never to get involved with a footballer and reading Mario’s antics only convinced me more.
“I said ‘I’m NOT dating you – you’re a spoiled brat!’ but he laughed and told me I had to get to know him.
"It went on for months. We began having longer chats. He was funny and bright and I started thinking ‘why not give him a chance?’
“I agreed to go up and see him in Manchester when I got home from a trip to America.
Later, when we’d been going out for a while, I asked him why he’d pursued me so hard. He just shrugged and said ‘Because you’re the only girl who’s ever said no to me’.
Tabby’s first “date” with Mario proved rather a shock.
Action
He was playing Nintendo Wii with his brother Enoch and two pals. But after they left he revealed his gentlemanly side.
“I stayed for three days – in the spare room,” said Tabby.
“He didn’t try it on and we only kissed on the day when I went back to London.”
The pair didn’t become lovers until Tabby flew to Poland to see Mario during Euro 2012 in June.
Back in London she saw reports that his former lover Raffaella Fico was pregnant with his child.
“Mario made it clear he would support his child but was no longer close to his ex,” said Tabby.
“After the tournament he went off to Ibiza with the lads.
"There were pictures of him with girls but he said there was nothing going on and I didn’t mind him letting his hair down.”
Tabby said despite all the stories about Mario’s wealth she never saw him splashing the cash.
“He was really careful with his money,” she said.
“He said he didn’t want to spoil his brother and little sister and was worried people would think he was buying their friendship.
“A friend once told me that he gives almost half his salary away to charity.”
Back in Manchester, Tabby got to grips with the weird world of Balotelli.
“We were out in his Bentley once and he got stopped for speeding,” she said.
“But the policeman’s face lit up when he saw it was Mario and let him off in return for an autograph!
“Mario didn’t turn a hair. It seemed a perfectly reasonable deal to him.”
Tabby still has a great deal of affection for her eccentric ex – but she’s not sure he feels the same.
He thinks she cheated on him with US R&B star Trey Songz.
Tabby said: “Trey and I are good friends. After I’d ended it with Mario he saw a photo of us on Facebook.
"He was bitter and couldn’t accept I wanted to move on – but it was just his pride that was hurt.
“I don’t think our split hastened his move. He told me he’d never felt settled in Manchester.
"Now he’s back, getting the superstar treatment he thrives on I hope he’ll be truly happy.
The fireworks
Accident-prone Mario told Tabby the full story behind the infamous firework incident at his rented home.
She said it happened after police warned him burglars were targeting the area.
She added: “So Mario decided they should warn off any raiders by blasting fireworks out of the windows.
"His brother’s mate was in the bathroom taking aim with his firework in a bucket but it suddenly went off and ricocheted off the walls, setting the place ablaze.
"I was trying not to laugh but Mario was very annoyed.”
The playboy
Mario has never been short of female admirers.
Tabby said: “He told me he could send a woman a text with just a full stop in it and they’d be offering themselves on a plate.”
He began dating model Raffaella Fico in 2010. They split last year after claims he cheated with Jennifer Thompson, the Wayne Rooney escort.
In December, Raffaella had Mario’s baby daughter.
The hero
AC MILAN fans gave Mario a hero’s welcome on his return to Italy.
On Wednesday night he celebrated with them as he left a restaurant.
And within hours of signing the £19.5million deal yesterday he scored for his new club in a friendly.
Earlier, he thanked Manchester City and boss Roberto Mancini.
But Tabby said he was miserable while he was in England and hated the weather.
The romantic
TABBY finally fell for the Balotelli charm after he spent months wooing her.
She visited him for their first date and says: “I stayed for three days – in the spare room.
"He didn’t try it on and we only kissed on the day I went back to London.
It felt like an old-fashioned courtship.
"Mario was so respectful and wanted to get to know me, which is why I fell for him.”
The clown
TABBY said: “Mario’s got a schoolboy sense of humour – lots of poo and fart jokes.
He absolutely loved Gangnam Style and kept trying to do the dance badly.
“For such a brilliant player he can be a little bit clumsy and unco-ordinated – like the time he couldn’t get his training bib on.
"And he can’t swim either. We’d go down to his big pool in the basement and he’d just get in and splash about a bit.”
The mama's boy
ACCORDING to Tabby, Mario is a devoted mummy’s boy who would still get a ticking-off from adoptive mum Silvia.
Last year, he got conjunctivitis which doctors blamed on him wearing contact lenses on the pitch.
But Tabby said: “When his mum heard about it she rang Mario and gave him a severe telling-off, saying: ‘It’s because you don’t wash your hands properly’.”
The egotist
IT WASN’T just his bedroom conquests that brought out Mario’s arrogant side.
He was delighted by the adulation he got after his spectacular performances for Italy in Euro 2012.
And Tabby said: “Mario Googled himself obsessively to see how popular he was.
“He loved the web craze where people were photo-shopping the ‘Hulk’ pose he did after scoring for Italy in the Euro semi-final and was beside himself when it made it on to Fifa 13.”
The obsessions
MARIO spends up to five hours a time playing FIFA football on his Nintendo Wii.
Tabby said: “He took it SO seriously.
"When he won he’d be leaping round the room, hugging and kissing me, but if he lost he’d have a tantrum and once even smashed up the console.”
He also has a bizarre diet.
Tabby says: “He eats the same meal for lunch and dinner, seven days a week – pasta carbonara, spare ribs with, if possible, a veal escalope in breadcrumbs.”
Any comment, Mario?
Mino Raiola, Balotelli’s agent, last night said: “Listen I will tell you in English ok? Because my English is very bad, ok?
"I never gave a f*** about what you wrote and I will not give a f*** now what you are writing.
"So I don’t give a f*** what you write or what you will write in the future.
"Write anything that you want. Ok. Ciao.”
GOLDEN BOLLOX - 1 Feb 2010
mr_nool wrote:New Bollox feature:
Dive of the Day
[youtube]oQxSckCuXDs[/youtube]
Doubts over Gareth Barry's and Scott Parker's England futures
Hodgson leaves the two 30-something central midfielders out of his squad to face Brazil which is a warm-up for two important World Cup qualifiers
Gareth Barry and Scott Parker have been left staring at the end of their England careers as Roy Hodgson made his midfield pecking order clear.
As expected, Hodgson reverted to the old guard for next week's prestige friendly against Brazil, with next generation members Wilfried Zaha, Raheem Sterling and Jonjo Shelvey returning to under-21 service.
But while skipper Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere were joined as central midfield options by Everton's Leon Osman, both Barry and Parker were overlooked.
And with Hodgson seeing the Wembley clash as a key element of preparation for the crunch March World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro, Barry and Parker were told they are no longer in the first stage of the manager's thinking.
Parker, who started all four games in Euro 2012, has only just returned to action for Spurs, while Barry has not featured for England since being ruled out of the tournament after being named in Hodgson's initial squad.
But in naming Lampard - who'll be 35 this summer - and the 31-year-old Osman, the only survivor of the rookies blooded in November's defeat by Sweden, Hodgson sent a signal.
Asked about Lampard's inclusion, Hodgson said: "It's absolutely the case that if you are good enough, you're young enough.
"Frank has been doing extremely well since he got back from injury. We always believed he belongs in the squad.
"When he has not been with us it has been because he has not been available. He has been a consistent performer for club and country, with a great footballing brain."
Lampard has 93 caps although Chelsea club-mate Ashley Cole will beat him to the century landmark - only the seventh player to reach the milestone.
The reaction to the left-back's achievement is likely to be muted in comparison to the acclaim that greeted Gerrard's 100th cap in Stockholm, although Hodgson, who dismissed the prospect of an England return for David Beckham, added: "He deserves an enormous pat on the back.
"Reputations are forged in different ways. I judge people on how I find them. I hope any reputation is forgotten next week.
"He is a very serious footballer and a very nice person to deal with on the footballing front. He is a shy person. He prefers his football to do the talking. He is quite happy for people to judge him on his football."
That judgement remains one that places Cole ahead of his deputy, Everton's Leighton Baines, who admitted "I'm doing what I can to get into the team but the decision isn't mine, it's with the manager.
"The good thing is that there are a number of options, not just myself and Ash but also Ryan Bertrand, Kieran Gibbs and Luke Shaw."
Hodgson has already capped 44 players and Manchester United's Chris Smalling, whose club-mate Phil Jones was included in the Under-21 squad to play Sweden at Walsall, could become the 45th after being named as one of four central defenders.
Smalling earned the last of his two caps against Wales in September 2011 while Hodgson hopes to give Wilshere his first England start in 20 months after a succession of injuries dogged the Arsenal schemer.
"Jack has been very good in the last few games in particular," said the England boss, who is without knee-injury victim Ashley Young but who also omitted Steven Caulker, Ryan Shawcross and Adam Johnson.
"He has been good since Arsene threw him in. We gave him a chance to play for 45 minutes in Sweden, maybe earlier than Arsene and I would have liked but Jack took to it like a duck to water.
"Jack didn't think he needed any more time. He is getting better and better and was outstanding against Liverpool.
"It's not right to compare with the likes of Zaha, Sterling and Shelvey, who we want to prepare for the Under-21 Euros in Israel.
"Wilshere has established himself as a bona-fide first-team player."
England squad to face Brazil
Goalkeepers: Butland (Stoke), Hart (Manchester City)
Defenders: Baines (Everton), Cahill (Chelsea), Cole (Chelsea), Jagielka (Everton), G Johnson (Liverpool), Lescott (Manchester City), Smalling (Manchester United), Walker (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Carrick (Manchester United), Cleverley (Manchester United), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Milner (Manchester City), Osman (Everton), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Walcott (Arsenal), Wilshere (Arsenal)
Strikers: Defoe (Tottenham), Rooney (Manchester United), Sturridge (Liverpool), Welbeck (Manchester United).
MANCHESTER TITLE RACE
PTS +7 GD +2
Manchester City Boss Will Give Swedish Prodigy First Team Chances This Season
Roberto Mancini has reassured young forward John Guidetti that he will get his chances in the Manchester City first team, thanks to the departure of Mario Balotelli.
The 20-year-old forward enjoyed a blistering loan spell on loan at Eredivisie club Feyenoord last season, striking 20 goals in 23 appearances, but has spent the last nine months recovering from an infected nerve that cut his season short last campaign.
Nearing his return, The Swedish international has his eye on first team football, and despite the presence of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez, Mancini maintains that the departure of Balotelli has opened the door for the prolific young forward.
It is difficult to bring in a replacement – with only two days, we didn’t have a chance and at this moment we need a defender more, as we have a lot of injuries,” Mancini said, Manchester Evening News report.
“John is in training with us every day but is not ready to play at this moment. He needs one or two months but, when he gets the chance to play, we will get him.”
SNUB COUNT 332
GOLDEN BOLLOX - 1 Feb 2010
Man City launch £20million deadline day move for Real Madrid star
Big spending Manchester City are set to make a beat-the-deadline £20m offer for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago.
Gago’s agent Marcello Lombilla says City have been in touch and made it clear they are still in the hunt for the Argentinian midielder.
Lombilla said: “Manchester City will present a formal offer to Real Madrid on Monday and then the decision is up to Real Madrid and we are awaiting an answer.”
City boss Roberto Mancini has already had one £17m offer turned down but is still keen to strengthen his midfield before the window shuts.
Real Madrid insist they do not want to sell but mega-rich City have got money to spend and are hoping one last try may persuade Real Madrid to sell.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, director Jorge Valdano and sporting director Miguel Pardez are set to discuss whether to sell if City follow through and make a last minute offer.
City also want to seal a £6million deal for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson today - and beat Chelsea to his in-demand signature.
City wheeler-dealer Brian Marwood is close to winning the race as Boro lose their grip on the home-grown starlet who has told them he is keen to speak to City despite some major rival interest.
Johnson is seen as a pacey wide man who could even make Roberto Mancini's side - and the youngster is interested in taking his chances and picking up a monster contract.
Boro hoped to do a deal with a club to sell Johnson now and loan him back - or agree a fee and then sign him in the summer. Chelsea were keen on that arrangement.
However City have demanded that they get their target now and talks over the size of the fee went on yesterday. Johnson has made it plain that he will not be staying and would prefer to take his Premier League chance now.
Johnson wants to have the final say in his destination and pals say he fancies City above all other clubs. Sunderland were favourites for him but their alarming dip in form has undermined their chances.
Chelsea are the main rivals for Johnson's signature, but the fact that they were willing to send him back to Boro on loan has not sent out the right signals to the player.
Boro will use the cash to give Gordon Strachan funds for a couple of players before the window shuts. He wants to sign Striker Scott McDonald from Celtic and is also chasing Bolton centre half Danny Shittu.
Strachan is also making a desperate deadline bid to snatch Kyle Naughton from Tottenham on loan
Mancini has completed the signing of McDonald Mariga from Parma.
The Kenyan midfielder is joining Manchester City in a £7million package, which involves Valeri Bojinov making his loan move to Parma permanent.
or maybe not ...
Manchester City's pursuit of Argentinian midfielder Fernando Gago has all but ended, according to Spanish daily newspaper AS.
It is understood that Manchester City had bid 15 million Euros for the 23 year-old, which Real Madrid rejected. Gago himself had been determined to leave the Bernebeu after struggling for first team opportunities this season, managing only seven appearances.
According to AS, Real Madrid have firmly told Manchester City that unless they make a quite extraordinary offer, Gago is not for sale, as they believe that his exit would leave them short of options.
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[/spoiler]SWAMP BOLLOX - PART 58
Luis Suarez signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool in August 2012
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, 25, has pledged his future to Liverpool, saying that even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League he will stay. DSSC
Brazilian side Internacional have reportedly told Tottenham they will have to wait until the summer to sign striker Leandro Damiao, 23, after rejecting a £17m deadline-day offer. Metro
West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie, 31, was left stranded on the steps of Loftus Road after his move to Queen's Park Rangers fell through. The Times
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is furious after defender Phil Jones, 20, was demoted to the England Under-21s. Daily Star
England manager Roy Hodgson has called on home fans to honour Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, 32, when he reaches the 100-cap milestone in the friendly against Brazil at Wembley. Guardian
Reading manager Brian McDermott insists striker Adam Le Fondre, 26, is capable of transferring his Royals super-sub exploits on to the international scene with England. DSSC
German striker Lukas Podolski, 27, says Arsenal will have to stop being such slow starters if they want to be playing Champions League football again next season. Daily Mirror
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta, 23, admits the Blues are suffering from a lack of confidence and believes teams no longer fear playing against them. London's Evening Standard
French football fans are divided over 37-year-old David Beckham's offer to donate his Paris St-Germain salary to charity. Daily Telegraph
Austrian defender Paul Scharner, 32, is considering dying the words 'I'M BACK' into his hair when he makes his first-team return for Wigan. The Sun
[youtube]ICzSJAGXsKA[/youtube]
LAHAD'S LICK BINGO OUT BOLLOX
A perfect place to honour the Fez & Nipple Tassel wearing one ....
So what should go on Bingo's plaque? .... You decide ...[/i]
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