January Transfer Centre (ALL non United transfer talk).

[RedForceRising]

Jose eyes bids for Drogba and Jenas
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...840672,00.html

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he could yet put in bids for Didier Drogba or Jermaine Jenas before the transfer window shuts.



Mourinho's Inter sit top of Serie A at present and while the former Chelsea boss admits he is happy enough with his current squad, he is keeping tabs on the availability of both Drogba and Jenas.

Drogba has been out of favour with current Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in recent weeks, prompting speculation he may leave Stamford Bridge.

And while Mourinho remains a keen admirer of the Ivorian, with whom he won two Premier League titles during their time at the Blues, he stopped short of suggesting he would actively seek to prise Drogba away from west London.

"Jermaine Jenas and Didier Drogba - these are both players that I like," Mourinho wrote in The Daily Telegraph.

"Drogba is a very special player for me, there is no doubt about it.

"We had a great relationship at Chelsea and he was an important player for me.

"Will something happen? I don't know."

He added: "I like players adapted to my style of play, my philosophy of play. If I know them and have a good feeling from the past it is better, but I always feel I can create this kind of good feeling with players that I have never worked with before."

Mourinho also admitted he has been a long-time admirer of Jenas.

But with his reluctance to enter the transfer market, Mourinho said it may be that a trade deal would be the only way of bringing the England international to the San Siro.

"I never worked with him (Jenas) but he is a player I have followed," he added.

"When he was at Tottenham, even when he was at Newcastle, he was a player that I liked very much. Who knows?

"If it is true that Tottenham have some targets in the Inter squad, then why not?

"Maybe then there is a possibility of doing a swap. But everything is harder in January and I don't think Inter will go into the market."

[RedForceRising]

Redknapp reveals interest in Keane after signing Cudicini & Chimbinda
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...852687,00.html

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has signed Carlo Cudicini and Pascal Chimbonda - and has put the ball in Liverpool's court over Robbie Keane.



Cudicini has been given a free transfer from Chelsea and could make his debut against Stoke on Tuesday as first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has a thigh strain.

Chimbonda was not registered in time to face Tony Pulis' men in the Premier League clash at White Hart Lane, but he will be available at the weekend after following Jermain Defoe as the second player to rejoin Spurs this month.

Another who left Spurs in the last year was Keane, who has struggled to make an impact at Anfield and was not in the squad for the FA Cup clash against Everton at the weekend.

"I wouldn't sit here and say I wouldn't like to have Robbie Keane at my football club, I'd be a liar, but he belongs to Liverpool so it is not an option unfortunately," Redknapp said.

"As a player and a person I have a lot of time for Robbie Keane. I think he's fantastic."

Keane's omission fuelled concerns about his future, although Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has previously stated there will be no departures in the current transfer window.

Redknapp is in the market for another striker and has pursued Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones and is monitoring Fred's situation at French side Lyon.

Spurs have been criticised by Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia for the manner of their approach for Jones, although Redknapp has pointed out that there has been continued dialogue between his chairman Daniel Levy and Black Cats counterpart Niall Quinn.

"The chairman tried to do a deal and spoke to Niall Quinn quite a few times," Redknapp said. "They only have to say, 'He's not for sale'. That is all anyone ever has to say."

The deal for Chimbonda was smoother.

The 29-year-old French full-back angered fans last season when he stormed down the tunnel after being substituted during the Carling Cup final and there are no plans to present him to fans ahead of the Stoke game.

Chimbonda, who cannot atone for his actions at this season's final as he is cup-tied for the showpiece against Manchester United, will offer Redknapp cover across his defence.

"I've signed him and he's coming here," Redknapp said.

"The deal should have been done in the morning but it's over-run the deadline for him to play against Stoke - it was done 15 minutes too late which was disappointing. Otherwise he would have been available.

"He plays with energy and gets forward as an attacking full-back. He was excellent for Sunderland on Saturday at centre-back so he can play right across the back four.

"He's a player I liked before. I tried to get him when he was at Wigan and then when he was at Tottenham I think Chelsea came in for him at one point."

Cudicini, meanwhile, will cover for Gomes and push the Brazilian for a first-team place.

"We're well pleased to have him," Redknapp said. "He gives us great experience. We're in a position where Gomes is still carrying an injury and can't kick, which is a big problem for a keeper."

Gomes is a doubt to face Stoke, while Jermaine Jenas (calf) and Darren Bent (groin) are only just back training.

Alan Hutton (foot), Ledley King (hamstring) and Jamie O'Hara (hip) are out, while Aaron Lennon (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (back) and Luka Modric (back/hamstring) are carrying knocks but may play.

"It's an important game," said Redknapp, whose side will start the game in 16th place. "You can pull yourself out with couple of results."


Latics pull off £2m Watson coup
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...851531,00.html

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has moved quickly to fill the void left by Wilson Palacios, by signing Ben Watson from Crystal Palace for £2million.



Honduras international midfielder Palacios joined Spurs last week in a deal believed to be worth around £14million.

Bruce has now splashed out £2million of that money on 23-year-old Watson, who was poised to join Middlesbrough until Wigan stepped in and offered a more lucrative contract.

England Under-21 midfielder Watson, who made 189 appearances for Palace, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Wigan.

Watson is in line to make his debut in Wednesday's match at home to title-chasing Liverpool, just under four years after he last played in the Premier League.

A delighted Bruce said: "We have been watching Ben for some time, and believe he has the maturity to step back to the highest level and make an impression.

"He's a midfielder who scores goals, has quick feet, plenty of power and is a terrific prospect.

"I wanted to move quickly to start filling the gap left by Wilson Palacios, and Ben is the start of that process."

After beating Boro to the punch for a player who was due to be out of contract in the summer, Bruce added: "It speaks volumes about the progress of the club that we can compete with established Premier League clubs for players.

"I am delighted Ben has agreed to join us. I think our supporters will take to him quickly, because he's a real hundred percenter."

Watson, who made 21 appearances for Palace in the top flight in their 2004-05 relegation season, is confident he has made the right choice.

"It's great to be back in the Premier League," he said.

"Steve Bruce is the big pull here, and it's a great time to be joining the club and a team who are really flying.

"I want to thank everyone at Palace, and all the supporters, because they have been great to me.

"But this is a terrific opportunity for me to play in the top flight again, and I just felt the time was right for a move for me."

Wigan are also due to complete the paperwork on Hugo Rodallega's £4.5million move from Necaxa, following the Colombia striker's arrival last Thursday when he had a medical and agreed personal terms.


Rodallega seals £4.5m Wigan switch
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...852413,00.html

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is sure Hugo Rodallega will be "a big player" for the club after completing a £4.5million move for the Colombia striker.


Rodallega was granted a work permit last week and, after flying in on Thursday, has now passed a medical and agreed personal terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The transfer is subject to international clearance, but that should be a formality as Rodallega has scored six goals in 21 appearances for his country.

Latics are hoping to gain the necessary clearance in time for the 23-year-old, signed from Mexican club Necaxa, to be included in the squad for Wednesday's JJB Stadium clash with Liverpool.

Bruce, though, is just happy to finally have Rodallega on board as he said: "This is great news for us.

"It has taken a while to get all the paperwork completed on what has been quite a complicated transfer, but I'm relieved it's all been finalised.

"I believe this lad can be as big a success in this country as some of our other imports.

"He is strong and quick, with an eye for goal and I am convinced he can adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

"We have had him watched on numerous occasions, and I think he has the attributes to make it over here in the long term and go on to be a big player for this club.

"In the short term, his arrival will add competition for places up front. The lad is raring to go and show us what he's made of."

Rodallega, who scored 25 goals in 52 games for Necaxa, is eager to prove himself in English football's top flight.

"To play in the Premier League is a dream come true," he said.

"Now I want to show Steve and all the Wigan fans they have made a good choice."

[RedForceRising]

Pompey pounce for midfield pair
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...850964,00.html

Portsmouth have completed the double signing of midfielders Hayden Mullins from West Ham for an undisclosed fee and FC Porto star Pele.



Pompey boss Tony Adams has been looking to bolster his midfield all month after losing Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid and Papa Bouba Diop to a long-term injury.

West Ham have decided to let Mullins move on as Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola looks to trim his squad and balance the books at Upton Park.

Mullins has agreed terms on a three-and-a-half-year deal and passed a medical to join Pompey.

Mullins' move, for an undisclosed fee, comes just two days after his final appearance for the Hammers, as a substitute in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Hartlepool.

The 29-year-old has spent the past five years at Upton Park after an £800,000 move from Palace and has made 21 appearances this season.

Mullins told the club's website: "It was a little bit of a shock. I trained on Sunday with West Ham after the game on Saturday and then it all happened very quickly, but I'm very pleased to have joined.

"It was a great experience to have worked under Gianfranco Zola but it's a great challenge here to come and work with some really talented players.

"I enjoyed my time at West Ham but I was there for five years and thought that maybe it was time for a change.

"Portsmouth are a club with a lot of history. They won the FA Cup last year, so I'm very excited to be here."

Pele arrives on loan until the end of the season from Porto and the 21-year-old is relishing the prospect of playing in England.

"I only heard about Portsmouth's interest a few days earlier but I wanted to come straight away," Pele told the club's official website.

"I'm very happy to be playing for such a club."

Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie admitted both deals were concluded quickly.

Storrie said: "Tony and I decided to move for Hayden on Saturday night. We got hold of West Ham on Sunday morning and I think they were a bit surprised that we wanted to get the deal done so quickly.

"Hayden's an experienced player who has played exceptionally well against us in the past. He's a guy with immense experience in the Premier League, and that's what we need in this situation.

"He wanted regular football, because he has been in and out of the West Ham side.

"Pele's an exciting young talent. He did well for Inter before joining Porto. But there was a change of manager at Porto, who switched it around a bit, and the boy was desperate to move.

"I spoke to him on Saturday evening and he was on the plane here within 24 hours, which tells you exactly about his eagerness. He's an expensive player, so it's a deal with an option to buy so we can both have a look at each other."

The signings continue Adams' busy month in the transfer market with Jermaine Pennant arriving on loan from Liverpool last week and Nadir Belhadj agreeing a permanent deal.

Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra have also left the club.

The midfield duo could make their debuts in Tuesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.


26 January

Daniel Bogdanovic [Lokomotiv Sofia - Barnsley] Undisclosed
Marlon Broomes [Blackpool - Crewe] Loan
Lewis Buxton [Stoke - Sheff Wed] Nominal
Carlo Cudicini [Chelsea - Tottenham] Free
Pascal Chimbonda [Sunderland - Tottenham] Undisclosed
Gordon Greer [Doncaster - Swindon] Loan
Harry Hogarth [Luton - Grays] Work experience
Hal Robson Kanu [Reading - Swindon] Loan
Jean-Christophe Lescinel [unattached - Swindon]
Hayden Mullins [West Ham - Portsmouth] Undisclosed
Krisztian Nemeth [Liverpool - Blackpool] Loan
Savio Nsereko [Brescia - West Ham] Undisclosed
Pele [Porto - Portsmouth] Loan
Hamdi Razak [unattached - Swindon]
Zesh Rehman [QPR - Bradford] Loan
Lee Sawyer [Chelsea - Coventry] Loan
Ben Watson [Crystal Palace - Wigan] Undisclosed
Mike Williamson [Wycombe - Watford] Loan

[RDJ]

Tottenham signed Chimbonda?......... ROFLMAO!!!

I hope they sign Robbie Keane and complete the embarrassment.

[Edwards]

just seen it,what a joke,they will be bringing Clive Allen back next..... lol

[16-Keano-16]

West Ham United director of football Gianluca Nani has confirmed that the club are set to sign Savio Nsereko, but not Mario Balotelli.


The Hammers have been tracking youngster Nsereko for a number weeks and now look ready to pounce ahead of the likes of Napoli and Roma.

It is widely reported that West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola will pay around £9 million for Ugandan-born Nsereko - who is a German youth international.

He began his career with 1860 Munich, before he was snapped up by Brescia as a 16-year-old, and Nani played a major role in landing him as he was working for the Italian club at the time.

Nani has now returned to his former club to broker the move for the 19-year-old forward, although he was quick to again dismiss links with a loan move for Internazionale starlet Mario Balotelli.

"We are working on Savio of Brescia, and we are well advanced," confirmed Nani.

"We have never talked to anyone about Balotelli, if we have Savio in place then that could be us done in January."

Savio's agent Patrick Bastianelli expects the deal to West Ham to go through soon.

"The player is very close to West Ham," he admitted to the Italian press over the weekend.

"Savio will go away soon, and the boy is happy to find Zola, a great coach and with him he will only embrace an important technical programme from which he will only grow and improve.

"West Ham have accelerated the negotiations."

It has been suggested that West Ham would need to sell before buying during the window, but it now appears Zola has been given full backing by the club's hierarchy.

Reports also suggest that Zola's wish to keep the likes of Robert Green, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson will come true, with new deals set to be offered to the trio.

[RedForceRising]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...td/7852936.stm

West Ham say they beat off "fierce competition" from Europe's leading clubs to complete the signing of 19-year-old Brescia striker Savio Nsereko.

The Uganda-born German will be a direct replacement for Craig Bellamy.

The fee for Nsereko has not been disclosed but it is expected to be a club record, topping the £7.5m West Ham paid Liverpool for Bellamy in 2007.

Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani worked with the Germany Under-19 international when he was at Brescia.

Nsereko, who will wear West Ham's number 10 shirt, passed a medical on Monday and the club hope he will be given international clearance to play in the Premier League game against Hull on Wednesday.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe.

"He is an exciting prospect, who (manager) Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come.

"It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward."

The forward can play either wide or as a central striker and was named player of the tournament at last year's Uefa Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic, which was won by Germany.

A West Ham delegation flew to Brescia in the middle of last week to agree a fee for the player. Nsereko then travelled to England over the weekend to meet Zola and finalise the deal.

Nsereko has scored a modest three goals in 17 appearances for Serie B side Brescia this season.

But in his last outing for them he scored twice in a minute in the 4-0 win against Pisa on 17 January.

His signing will reassure fans who had feared the Londoners would only be a selling club during the January transfer window.

Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has been beset by financial problems in recent months and is considering selling the club.

But other than Bellamy, who was determined to leave Upton Park, West Ham have only sold fringe players Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer and Hayden Mullins.

Meanwhile, both the Hammers and Juventus have quashed speculation that Carlton Cole could be about to move from east London to Turin.

"We are very happy with the players we have in the team and we will not make any moves in the January transfer market," said Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco.

[RedForceRising]

http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...855458,00.html



Bolton manager Gary Megson has confirmed the club have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon about the possibility of signing defensive midfielder Miguel Veloso.

The 22-year-old is one of the most highly-rated prospects in Europe and Megson is hopeful Wanderers can lure him to the Barclays Premier League.

Reports have suggested the fee would be in the region of £12million, which, if the transfer were to come off, would break the £8million club record Megson paid for Johan Elmander in the summer.

"It is something we are trying to do but whether it comes to fruition is another thing," said Megson.

"It is difficult talking about someone else's player but he is a quality act and if we can do it we will try to bring him in.

"We are interested in the lad and I'm sure other people will be as well.

"We have spoken to them (Sporting) but that is all it is."

Megson admitted that some people may be surprised at Bolton being in the market for a £12million player but said the funds were there if they could find the right target.

"He certainly is [expensive] but that is not the issue," he added.

"If we can take the right player to Eddie Davies (the club's owner) there has never been an amount of money that he hasn't given us.

"If it is a player we think will improve us and it is do-able we will try to do it.

"We would like to bring in quality players but if they are not quality players we won't do it for the sake of it."

Bolton may have their work cut out, however, as at the weekend Veloso stressed he did not want to leave the club.

"I started at Sporting, it was Sporting that created me and I just have to thank Sporting for everything they have done for me," he told the club's website.

"I am happy at the Alvalade and I will continue to work to help the team achieve what we want. I am committed."

[RedForceRising]

BREAKING GOSSIP

Tottenham hope Kenwyne Jones will reject a new contract with Sunderland to move to White Hart Lane after making a £15m take-it-or-leave-it offer for the striker. (London Evening Standard website 1020 GMT)

Egyptian full-back Ahmed Al Muhammadi has claimed he is set to join Blackburn. ( IMScouting 1020 GMT)

David Beckham is unlikely to be allowed to remain at AC Milan after his three-month loan agreement with the Italian side expires in March, according to Los Angeles Galaxy coach and general manager Bruce Arena. (Bloomberg 0950 GMT)

Newcastle United may be the shock destination for Robbie Keane, whose career at Liverpool is in doubt. (Metro 0915 GMT)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City believe that a £19m bid may finally be enough to secure the signature of Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz. (Independent)

And City are also determined to capture Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure. (Independent)

City defender Micah Richards has ruled out a transfer to Arsenal this month. (Telegraph)

Chelsea's out-of-favour centre-back Branislav Ivanovic is being targeted by Greek side Panathinaikos. (Telegraph)

Tottenham are interested in bringing Liverpool striker Robbie Keane back to White Hart Lane but Manchester City also want the Republic of Ireland star. (Various)

Spurs have turned their attention to Lyon's Brazilian striker Fred after Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones rejected a move to White Hart Lane. (Mail)

Sunderland are in talks to sign West Ham defender Calum Davenport, whose £3m move to Bolton collapsed earlier this month. (Independent)

Arsenal insist they are no closer to signing playmaker Andrei Arshavin, despite his club Zenit St Petersburg claiming a deal is almost done. (Daily Star)

AC Milan are keen to keep on-loan Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham beyond his three-month deal. (Various)

Portsmouth are set to sign Real Madrid striker Javier Saviola on loan. (Daily Star)

And Pompey boss Tony Adams is also hoping to sign AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Emerson. (Daily Mirror)

However, Adams has shut the door on a possible move for Celtic's Scott Brown because the asking price was too high. (The Sun)

Juventus want Chelsea winger Florent Malouda, while goalkeeper Marco Storari could move in the opposite direction. (Daily Mirror)

Wigan have been told by Cardiff it will cost them £6m if they want to sign midfielder Joe Ledley. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn are interested in Valencia's 6ft 8in striker Nikola Zigic, who is currently on loan at Racing Santander. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are set to sign Newcastle's Shay Given after making an improved offer of £10m for the goalkeeper. (Star)

Newcastle are closing in on Toulouse right-back Albin Ebondo. (Star)

Newcastle are also interested in Rennes right-back Rod Fanni, as are Aston Villa and a number of other Premier League clubs. (Telegraph)

Celtic will tell the Magpies they will only accept cash for their captain Stephen McManus. (Daily Mail)

Fulham are ready to test Leeds' resolve to hang on to their £6m-rated teenager Fabian Delph. (Express)

Fulham and Everton are keen on Spartak Moscow's Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. (Telegraph)

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger fears he will be forced out of the club and into the arms of AC Milan. (Various)

Bolton are hoping to beat off competition to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso but would need to make a club record bid of between £12-13m. (Independent)

Reading midfielder James Harper is poised to join Middlesbrough in a £5m transfer this week. (Mail)

Crewe are competing with Yeovil and Bournemouth for Weymouth striker Stuart Beavon. (Star)

Charlton are close to signing Hull defender Wayne Brown on loan for the rest of the season. (Star)

Reading manager Steve Coppell has lined up a £1m move for Derby winger Steve Davies. (Various)

Bristol City are set to snap up defender Izzy Iriekpen following his release from S****horpe. (Various)

Huddersfield will make an improved £750,000 offer for Bristol Rovers striker Rickie Lambert. (Sun)

Norwich are keen on Dartford striker Cody McDonald, who is also wanted by Charlton and Crystal Palace. (Sun)

Crystal Palace want Dagenham midfielder Solomon Taiwo but face competition from QPR and Reading. (Sun)

Scott Severin will leave Aberdeen in the summer after the collapse of contract talks. (Various)

Celtic are lining up a swoop for £1.5m-rated Hamilton Accies midfielder James McArthur (The Sun)

Cardiff City are ready to accept an offer from Celtic for midfielder Willo Flood. (Various)

But the Bluebirds will try to sign Manchester City's Ched Evans from under Celtic's noses. (Various)

[Edwards]

kenwyne jones has just signed a new 4 and a half year deal,i think keane is being now with Chitty and Spuds.....

[RedForceRising]

BREAKING GOSSIP

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear said he is almost resigned to losing goalkeeper Shay Given.

"It's out of my hands and I am still waiting for the final outcome, but I think he wants a new challenge and that he wants to speak to Manchester City." (Chronicle Live, 1430 GMT)

David Beckham has admitted he is unsure whether to return to LA Galaxy when his loan spell at AC Milan ends.

The former England captain said: "It's not easy to decide. It's a matter that requires time. I'm under contract with, and have lots of respect for, Galaxy.

"But the possibility to play at Milan is something special. I knew I'd have fun but I didn't expect to have so much fun." (Corriere della Sera 1310 GMT)

Real Madrid are in talks with Wigan over a deal for their Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia. (Spanish sports daily AS 1200 GMT)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident Theo Walcott will sign a new long-term contract at the club. (PA 1044 GMT)



TRANSFER GOSSIP

Ex-Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann, who is currently at Stuttgart, is ready for a Premier League return. (The Sun)

Newcastle and Aston Villa are battling to sign Charlton's teenage midfielder Josh Wright. (The Sun)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sent his brother to run a personal check on Rangers teenage striker John Fleck. (The Sun)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits his club's bid for Brazilian striker Fred is doomed. He was supposed to meet the Spurs boss before that match against Stoke. (The Sun)

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has warned Roque Santa Cruz's suitors Manchester City that he has been unable to find a replacement for the striker. (The Sun)

Aston Villa want to sign Newcastle striker Michael Owen on a free (Mirror)

West Ham have made a £4m bid for Spartak Moscow midfielder Radoslav Kovac. (Daily Mirror)

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson wants to bring in Watford midfielder Lee Williamson. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro wants to turn his loan deal at Werder Bremen into a permanent one. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham have offered midfielder Aaron Lennon or Jermaine Jenas plus cash for Liverpool striker Robbie Keane. (The Independent)

Manchester City may have to pay Newcastle £8m to prize away goalkeeper Shay Given. (The Independent)

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is lining up £1m-rated Stoke midfielder Amdy Faye. (Daily Mail)

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will decide whether to give midfielder Stephen Appiah a deal when he watches him play for the reserves. (Daily Mail)

Wigan are expecting a fresh bid from Real Madrid for winger Antonio Valencia. (Daily Mail)

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is looking to sign Real Madrid forward Javier Saviola on loan until the end of the season.

The Fratton Park boss is also looking to recruit AC Milan midfielder Emerson and Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood. (Daily Express)

Middlesbrough are closing in on Reading striker James Harper. (Daily Express)

[abojodeh]

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will decide whether to give midfielder Stephen Appiah a deal when he watches him play for the reserves. (Daily Mail)

lol why would they gave up their finest to sign keane
they already have Defoe Pavluchenko Campbell and Bent

[RedForceRising]

BREAKING GOSSIP

Newcastle keeper Shay Given has handed in an written transfer request. (The Irish Times 0941 GMT)

Newcastle have entered the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso. (skysports.com 0935 GMT)

Sunderland have received an official bid from Blackburn for striker El-Hadji Diouf. (PA Sport 0929 GMT)

Aston Villa are lining up a bid for Manchester City defender Micah Richards. (dailymirror.co.uk 0927 GMT)

Atletico Madrid are set to make an offer for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. (dailymail.co.uk 0923 GMT)

German side Hoffenheim are believed to be weighing up a bid for Manchester City's £19m misfit Jo. (Manchester Evening News 0910 GMT)

French club Boulogne claim to have reached an agreement to sell defender Steven Mouyokolo to Hull this summer. (PA Sport 0836 GMT)


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City have offered Blackburn a final bid of £18.5m for striker Roque Santa Cruz. (The Guardian)

Tottenham are also keen on Santa Cruz and have offered striker Darren Bent as part of the deal to bring the Blackburn forward to White Hart Lane. (The Times)

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is lining up a £10m bid for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch if Santa Cruz does leave. (Daily Mirror)

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a long-term agreement with Real Madrid worth about £91m. (The Times)

Tottenham have ended their interest in bringing Liverpool striker Robbie Keane back to the club. (The Independent)

AC Milan have been told they do not have to bid for David Beckham before the transfer window closes on Monday. (Daily Telegraph)

Charles N'Zogbia says he will never play for Newcastle again after manager Joe Kinnear called him "insomnia" on TV. (Daily Star)

Newcastle keeper Shay Given is set to complete his £8m move to Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

Kevin Nolan is set to complete his £4.5m move from Bolton to Newcastle on Friday. (The Sun)

The Magpies are trying to offload Damian Duff in an attempt to bring in Derby's Kris Commons. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle hope that £3m will be enough to help them land Toulouse defender Albin Ebondo. (The Times)

Manchester City will make one last bid for Arsenal defender Kolo Toure and may offer Micah Richards as part of the deal. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea and Manchester City have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez. (The Times)

Chelsea are closing in on the transfer of Fiorentina defender Branislav Ivanovic. (The Times)

Sunderland face competition from Bolton for West Ham's Calum Davenport. (The Times)

Or, Wolves are set to sign Calum Davenport for £3m. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn are lining up a £2.5m bid for Sunderland forward El-Hadji Diouf. (Daily Mirror)

Crystal Palace are trying to sign Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair on loan. (Daily Mirror)

Fulham are looking at Derby midfielder Giles Barnes as Jimmy Bullard's replacement. (Daily Mirror)

Cardiff will take £6m for star midfielder Joe Ledley who is wanted by Fulham. (Daily Mail)

Reading midfielder James Harper is set to sign for Middlesbrough in a £5m deal. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City could renew their interest in Chelsea defender Alex and Inter Milan's Marco Materazzi. (Daily Mail)


Leeds have told Fulham that star midfielder Fabian Delph will cost them £5m. (Daily Express)

Bolton are resigned to missing out on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso. (Daily Telegraph)

[Zenitka]

OLE! Shava's in Arsenal today!

I am happy....

[16-Keano-16]

Real set to land Faubert


Hammers midfielder poised for Madrid move

West Ham have confirmed that midfielder Julien Faubert is in talks about a move to Real Madrid until the end of the season.

The versatile Frenchman has endured a frustrating time since moving to Upton Park from Bordeaux in the summer of 2007.

He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon within weeks of his arrival which kept him on the sidelines for six months.

Faubert's Hammers career has continued to be disrupted by injuries and he has struggled to consistently find his best form.

Welcome the opportunity
Speculation has surfaced over a move away from the Premier League and Faubert admitted earlier in January that he would welcome the opportunity to move to Lyon.

But Real are now poised to win the chase for his signature after the Hammers gave Faubert permission to speak with the Spanish giants.

West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: "He had asked the manager about a possible move and we felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid.

"If it does not happen then we will of course welcome Julien back into the squad.


Extensive negotiations
"I was first contacted by Madrid on Friday morning and after extensive negotiations we have agreed in principle a deal that would see them paying us a £1.5million fee to take Julien until the end of the season.

"His long-term future would then be reviewed in the summer with a significant transfer fee payable should Madrid want to take up their option.

"If Julien does go on loan, then we will look quickly to bring in a replacement."

Sky Sports News chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands Real Madrid are then willing to pay at least £4.5million in the summer to secure a permanent transfer.

West Ham paid £6million to Bordeaux for Faubert.

[16-Keano-16]

Portsmouth In Talks With Tottenham Over Giovani Dos Santos

Reports in England indicate that moves are afoot to bring the Mexican striker to the South Coast...

Giovani Dos Santos, the Mexican striker who has struggled to find a way to make an impression at Tottneham Hotpsur since his summer move, is reportedly in talks with Portsmouth concerning a possible move to Fratton Park, according to media reports in England.

Sky Sports News has reported that talks are now taking place about a possible deal, though it is unlcear as yet as to what kind of deal, whether a loan or something more permanent, is being negotiated.

Dos Santos has struggled with injury since arriving in England, and has made only ten appearances (seven as substitute) since arriving at Spurs.

He was linked with a move to French side Lyon this week, with Brazilian striker Fred moving the other way as part of a swap deal. The player himself apeared to pour cold water on that suggestion though, claiming that he was happy to stay in England and fight for his place.

"I have never spoken to Lyon and I would like to stay at Tottenham, because ever since I have come to the club I have not had any luck," The Daily Mirror reported him as saying.

"I am young, ambitious and I want to stay and succeed in England."

It now looks as though he may get the opportunity to do so, it just won't be at the club he joined in the summer.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com


Its also on Eurosport so it isnt goal.com *****.

[Jazz 16]

Velose is NOT going to Bolton.
Bolton cant pay the asking price so have pulled out.

[RDJ]

I actually think Dos Santos would be decent buy if we can get him at reasonable price. He's young, pacey and has a lot of potential. Maybe SAF can work his magic on yet another youngster.

[Sporting4Ever]

Velose is NOT going to Bolton.
Bolton cant pay the asking price so have pulled out.

Well, while we're hearing that here too, there's a newspaper (curiously enough, it's always the one with greater links to benfica... ) that claims that Bolton are trying yet again, and there's talks about including players, include the cash from their recent sale, and even the possibility of a partial buy, meaning Sporting would retain part of his rights, and would thus share in the profits of a future sale.


thoughts?

[migueldadon]

I actually think Dos Santos would be decent buy if we can get him at reasonable price. He's young, pacey and has a lot of potential. Maybe SAF can work his magic on yet another youngster.

dont rate him highly myself to be honest, I just think the prem is not the right league for him.