Premier League clubs spent £150 million on new players in the January transfer window, a 150 per cent increase on the 60 million spent in the same month a year ago and more than double the previous record of £70 million, set in 2006.

The surge in spending came despite joint leaders Manchester United and Arsenal not spending a penny and reflects the impact of substantially increased broadcasting revenues, which have begun kicking in this season.

Paul Rawnsley, a director of the accountancy firm Deloitte's Sports Business Group, said: "The new television deal is clearly the main driver in this record spending, and that is emphasised by the fact the spending is across the league rather than involving just a few clubs.

"There is also a pattern when a change of ownership or manager has acted as a catalyst for transfer activity."

Chelsea's signing of Nicolas Anelka for £15 million represents the highest-ever transfer move.