Arsenal transfer rumours about Llorente keep popping up

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Bob

Arsenal are after Fernando Llorente by KJ

It’s weird talking about transfers when the window has just closed, but it seems there is some solid news coming that Arsenal are going to step up their interest for the Spaniard. Now, I would usually dismiss this, but I’ve read from a few reliable sources that Arsenal are definitely interested in him. The main reason is that his fee will be relatively low because of him being free next summer.

There are a host of clubs after Llorente including the likes of Juventus and Manchester City. It definitely will be difficult. but not impossible, for Wenger. It’s easy to persuade a player when using logic. Serie A is a broken league that has become uncompetitive. Manchester City already have 4 top quality strikers and hence, Llorente won’t get any game time for the Blues. Arsenal on the other hand only have one conventional striker at the moment in Giroud.

I’d expect the Euro 2012 winner to cost the Gunners £9-£10 million. It’s a bargain considering the man’s talent. He holds up the ball but has an amazing eye for a pass and has lethal goal scoring ability. He’s the finished article at 27 and will definitely relieve the pressure on our newly acquired Frenchman, Olivier Giroud.

I generally wouldn’t pay a lot of attention to this but I’m optimistic that Wenger will try and sign a couple of players in January. He said as much in his press conference before the window closed. He may act like it was his decision not to spend as the window closed but he’s just bluffing. He enquired about Cabaye, Tiote, M’Biwa, Dempsey etc. during the transfer deadline week. He was actively seeking a lot of players but couldn’t get business done in time for various reasons.

Don’t be surprised if these Llorente rumours pick up over the winter. I can see him playing for Arsenal providing everything goes to plan (however unlikely that may seem).
Follow me on Twitter Kashif_MED

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Hill-Wood tells Arsenal fans not to be miserable over transfer dealings

Posted on September 05, 2012 by admin

Peter Hill-Wood says Arsenal can spend, but it has its ‘limit’

Arsenal chairman has come out and said that although Arsene Wenger has the money to spend, but it can’t compete with Chelsea or Manchester City in the transfer market. Furthermore he said that Scottish club Ranger’s financial turmoil should serve as a warning for rest of Europe. Hill-Wood said – “Arsene has money to spend but there’s a limit. We can’t spend £50 million on one player.

“At a certain level, we can’t compete. I don’t think Stan Kroenke is going to put the sort of dollars in that [Roman] Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour are putting into Chelsea or Manchester City. That’s not the way he thinks clubs should be run.

“Luckily, Arsene understands that. He got an economics degree from Strasbourg University so he’s certainly no fool. He knows how a club should be run. That annoys a lot of people but clubs have to be sustainable. We’re not going to go bankrupt in the way one or two other well-known clubs have.

“The Glasgow Rangers example is something we’ve all got to guard against. They spent far more money than they could afford. We’re ambitious enough but we’re not going to end in the same plight as Rangers. That is a fact of life. So my advice is, don’t get miserable about it.”

Moreover Hill-Wood also said that he was surprised to hear some of the fans chanting “You don’t know what you’re doing” towards Arsene Wenger.
He said “What those fans shouted did not influence me one little bit. I was disgusted to hear them because Arsene’s been absolutely outstanding. He is still outstanding.”

Rangers are certainly not the only example of a club spending beyond their capacity and then ending up in financial problems in the recent past. Leeds United are another club who have experienced this financial downfall. Spanish clubs like Mallorca, Racing Santander and most recently Malaga have all been subjects of such financial convulsion.

So do you agree with Peter Hill-Wood?

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Arsenal transfer target to sign with Schalke

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Bob

Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay will be playing at the Emirates this season, but only when the Gunners host the German club Schalke 04 in the champion’s league. Reports claimed earlier this week that the Dutch international was going to leave Barcelona on a year long loan deal, with Arsenal and Tottenham two of the favourites to land him.

Barcelona had told the player that they would not stand in the way of a permanent deal, and were only looking for around £5 million. Afellay, however, wanted to go on loan to get match fit and try to break into the Barcelona squad, but he seems to have changed his mind.

ESPN reports that the clubs have agreed a permanent deal for the midfielder. Schalke’s coach Huub Stevens was Afellay’s coach at PSV Eindhoven where he played 217 times. He will also be playing alongside his international team mate Klaas Jan-Huntelaar. The Dutch striker has already tweeted a welcome to Afellay, somewhat giving the game away before any official announcement has been made.

Gooners will now be hoping that Afellay does not make us rue the failure to sign him in the two champions league matches this year.

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Arsenal transfer rumours-Essien and M’Vila

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Bob

Reports are now suggesting that Arsenal are trying to broker a loan deal for Chelsea’s 29-year old midfielder Michael Essien, while Rennes now expect Yann M’Vila to still be at the club for the foreseeable future.

The Rennes chairman said last week that there were bids from two Premier league clubs and from Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia. Apparently, pny Zenit’s bid was acceptable to the French club, but the player rejected that move. Tottenham were thought to have bid around £12 million and refused to go higher, then stated that they were looking elsewhere.

The third club, originally thought to be Arsenal, is now reported to have been Everton. They will not match Renne’s valuation either so, barring a last minute move, the French international will be staying where he is. Rennes seem to have started a lot of the rumours surrounding this deal and have been trying to start a bidding war. If the purpose was to bring in more money for the club, then it has backfired. If the purpose was to hold on to their midfielder, then it seems to have worked.

Metro reports today that Arsenal have enquired about the possibility of taking Michael Essien on loan for a year, and Chelsea are apparently considering it. Essien has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after missing the start of last season through injury. Everton are also thought to be keen on taking the 29-year old on loan.

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Arsenal lose two transfer targets to Merseyside

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Bob

The longest and most complicated loan deal in history has finally been arranged, with Liverpool announcing that Nuri Sahin will be at Anfield as long as he passes his medical. The Spanish media reports that Liverpool have agreed to pay Real Madrid £5 million for the privilege of having Sahin for a year. If the reports are true then I can fully understand why Arsene Wenger did not bring the Turkish international to the Emirates.

To pay £5 million plus substantial wages, you would expect to get a player guaranteed to be a star, but Sahin has hardly kicked a ball in anger for over a season. He may turn out to be a great player for Liverpool but they are paying a lot of money for a possibility. World heavyweight champion of arrogance, Jose Mourinho, must be very pleased with himself.

The other Merseyside club, Everton, have beaten Arsenal to another transfer target. The 17-year old striker M’Baye Niang has been snapped up by David Moyes for a fee in the region of £2 million, according to The Sun. The youngster spent a week on trial with Arsenal earlier this year and is said to have impressed Wenger.

If the numbers involved are true then it is surely not the cost that has seen Arsenal miss out. The French international is far from the finished article and maybe he feels that he will get alot more playing time at Everton. Niang has spent a few days at Everton and has apparently been convinced that his interests will be best served there.

I hope that Wenger has a few more irons in the fire. The three new arrivals at the Emirates this summer are all high quality additions but, after losing van Persie and Song the squad and the fans could do with another boost. Who will it be?

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Arsene Wenger – The transfer window starts now!

Posted on August 24, 2012 by admin

Arsene Wenger has already signed three top class players in Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud, but he says that the real action from the transfer window will begin in earnest this week as clubs realise that time is running out.

Arsenal still have many players that are surplus to requirements so these have to be sold while trying to get in our own targets like Yann M’Vila and Fernando Llorente (I wish!), but with just seven days to do it things really have to start happening very soon.

Wenger was asked whether there would be any nmore arrivals this summer and he replied: “Some things can still happen,”

“I don’t want make a promise that I cannot keep. It does not only depend on me. But there still could be some action on the transfer market – ins and outs.

“We are working in the market . We’ll see what we can do.

“The transfer market is open for two months and yet for one month and three weeks it is nearly closed.

“It wakes up completely in the last week and then every minute becomes important.

“Everybody has played for time for seven or eight weeks and now suddenly everyone is in a hurry. And that is when the most intense activity happens.”

So we can look forward to a very interesting final installment of this window, but the big worry is that Arsenal always seem to take weeks and weeks over negotiations for one player. an they manage to get in more than one in just seven days?

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Wenger: We are still working in the transfer market

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the Gunners are still working in the transfer market with approximately a week left in this summer’s transfer window.To date, the Gunners have had a mixed transfer window intially signing Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, but then subsequently selling star players Robin van Persie and Alex Song  to Manchester United and Barcelona respectively.Wenger is quoted as saying on Arsenal.com:Some things can still happen. I don’t want make a promise that I cannot keep. It does not only depend on me. But there still could be some action on the transfer market – ins and outs.”We are working [in the market]. We’ll see what we can do.The transfer market is open for two months and yet for one month and thr...

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Arsenal transfer update: Sahin and M’Vila still in transit……

Posted on August 22, 2012 by admin

Wenger is still after M’Vila and Sahin is not here yet! by KJ

The news last night was that three clubs were interested in Yann M’Vila. Those 3 clubs are Tottenham, Arsenal and Spartak Moscow. This came directly from the Rennes Chairman’s mouth on RMC Sport in France. He confirmed last weekend that M’Vila had played his last game for Rennes so he must be pushing for a move. In his interview, he essentially said that Wenger was in the driving seat for this transfer and acknowledged that Wenger would be after Rennes star man by hinting at the Song transfer saga.

Pierre Dreossi told RMC: “Arsenal? Maybe. You need to ask Arsene Wenger. I think Arsenal will look for a player in this position. He (M’Vila) could go there or to a club which sells Arsenal a player.”

“It is complicated. Yann doesn’t want to go to a team where he is not completely wanted. There is a real chance for him to stay (in Rennes) this season.”

Onto M’Vila himself, apparently, he is still waiting for Arsenal to firm up interest before making his decision. He is solely after Champions League football otherwise he feels that no move from Rennes would be beneficial to his career. I still feel like that this transfer will go down to the deadline day and Rennes will have to bend to the pressure.

The other news that just emerged today is that the Sahin deal has apparently stalled because Wenger has finally got his wish of a buyback clause but is unhappy with the steep fee of £14 million. Considering Madrid only paid £8 million for him, Wenger is trying to negotiate it down to £10-12 million. Everything is done on Sahin’s side of things according to the likes of Balague, Ornstein and other reliable journalists. It’s just the small print with regards on the buyback and you can expect to see this completed by the Stoke game.

Sky Sports last night reported that Real and Arsenal have now agreed terms for the deal to go ahead, and now it is simply up to the player himself to make the final decision. Watch this space…..

Things are really starting to pick up on Arsenal’s side at the moment and we still don’t know who this mysterious defender is that we’re supposedly after.

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Arsenal about to announce Sahin transfer

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Bob

Sahin is nearly an Arsenal player now!  By KJ

It’s almost finally done now… Sahin is apparently on his way to London Colney for a medical. The ever reliable AFCAMDEN who brought you the Santi Cazorla deal confirmed it earlier on in the morning:

Just been informed that a deal has now been finalised & Nuri Sahin is now expected to report to the Arsenal training ground after 4pm.#AFC

If this isn’t enough, @DarrenArsenal1 (another extremely reliable tweeter) confirmed Sahin was doing his photoshoot:

Sahin has had his photoshoot at Colney this afternoon. Expect confirmation on website with story tomorrow #sahin #arsenal

This is great news and with this looking to be only one of the flurry of signings Wenger might commit to before the end of this window, things are starting to look good again.

Sahin is a class player who was integral to Dortmund’s title challenge during the 2010/2011 season. He likes to play a similar role to Alonso; deep lying playmaker essentially. However, he does have a defensive edge and knows how to tackle. His positioning is excellent and his passing range is sublime. David Ornstein of the BBC confirmed that Arsenal were successful in their attempts to get a buyback clause installed (fee undisclosed).

I’m not sure that he’ll be our cover for Song. Doesn’t seem defensive enough personally. However, if he is, I fully trust Wenger’s judgement on this. We don’t play any conventional defensive midfielders as I’ve highlighted in previous articles. But neither do some of the top clubs in Europe.

We can expect Sahin to be announced tomorrow and don’t be surprised if we make another signing before the Stoke game. There has been a lot of talk that we are still very active in the market and I can’t wait to see whom Wenger unveils!

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Arsenal are close to £15.7m M’Vila transfer

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Bob

Arsene Wenger might be able to announce two new Arsenal players this week. The general manager of Yann M’Vila’s current club Rennes, Pierre Dreossi, has dropped a massive hint that he expects M’Vila to become a Gunner by the end of the week.

“Arsenal? Maybe, you’ll have to call Arsene. But when Song leaves, we must say that Arsenal will reinforce that post.”

In his interview with French radio station RMC, Dreossi claimed that three clubs were vying for the services of the French international. Arsenal, Tottenham and Zenit St. Petersburg are the clubs, according to Goal,com. There have been reports that M’Vila does not want to go to a club who are not in the Champion’s league and he has already stated his desire to play in the Premier league.

Dreossi seems to think that the deal will soon be done but is insisting that Rennes are still sticking to their valuation of around 20 million euros. We will see about that when Wenger puts his negotiating head on.

“I think it will be done by the end of this week or the beginning of next.”

What a great boost for Arsenal fans and the team if Wenger can announce M’Vila soon and erase the bad taste that the sales of Robin van Persie and Alex Song have left in the mouth of Gooners everywhere.

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French defender admits Arsenal transfer talks

Posted on August 18, 2012 by admin

As usual Arsene Wenger is preparing to surprise everyone in the transfer market by lining up a relatively unknown defender playing in France. Cheikh M’Bengue is the first-choice left-back at Toulouse in Ligue 1 and came through the ranks at the Southern French team after joining them when he was just seven years of age.

He has always been rated highly in France and after making 21 appearances for the French U21 side, he opted to play for his parents country Senegal as a full international and made his debut last year.

M’Bengue made it quite clear that Arsenal were talking to Toulouse and admitted that it cames as a surprise to him. He said: “I do not expect it.

“When a big club like that think of you, it’s nice. It’s really flattering. In addition to the Premier League is a championship where I want to evolve,”

“I had not planned to leave, I have two year contract. But Arsenal, it can not be refused if everyone is benefiting.”

The 24 year-old is big and strong and would be a welcome addition to the Arsenal squad, but if he does arrive will he supplant Gibbs and Santos in the starting line-up?

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Arsenal and Manchester United making progress over Robin van Persie transfer

United indicated that they were ready to improve their initial bid of around £12 million, which was rejected, and, while the two clubs remain apart in their valuations, they were locked in talks on Tuesday night.

United are understood to be Van Persie’s preferred destination but they are reluctant to spend more than £15 million on someone who is 29 and has a mixed injury record.

Arsenal have made it clear that they want at least £20 million for their captain and star player but there is now a hope that, with add-ons, agreement could be reached on a compromise deal.

Van Persie, meanwhile, has been warned that he can expect to be booed at the Emirates on Saturday if he has not been sold by Arsène Wenger before their Premier League opener against Sunderland.

Although there are doubts about his match fitness, the expectation is that Van Persie will be included in the Arsenal squad if no deal has been completed.

It would be a tense and awkward occasion, however, after Van Persie openly criticised Wenger’s strategy earlier this summer in publicly outlining why he would not sign a new contract.

Samir Nasri played in Arsenal’s first home game of the season in similar circumstances last year but, even though he did eventually join Manchester City, he did not first go public with his desire to leave.

“There will be elements that will boo Robin van Persie at times and the boos do overwhelm everything else,” said Mark Brindle, a spokesman for the Arsenal fans’ group Red Action.

“I think the reaction will be varied and it will be interesting to see what is now said in the captain’s notes in the programme. I think his statement was objectionable.

"I can’t understand people who are disloyal, especially when people have been loyal towards them, but gone are the days when I worry about any one individual player.

"I think most players are mercenaries. If he plays and scores I will cheer because he is scoring a goal for Arsenal.

“If he does go to Manchester United, I’m afraid he will always be seen in the same bracket to most Arsenal fans as Ashley Cole and Samir Nasri. I couldn’t understand his statement.

"He suggests he wants more signings, but who? They have spent this summer on three good players. Does he think we can get Messi?”

Van Persie can expect to more than double his salary at Arsenal if he does move to Manchester United.

Manchester City also retain an interest but Roberto Mancini, the manager, has been told that he must ease the wage bill before signing another striker.

“He’s a great player,” said Vincent Kompany, the Manchester City captain. “He’s proved it so many times last season and any team he would play for he’d make it stronger.”

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Premier League Transfer Talk - August 14

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Aston Villa

Left-back Stephen Warnock could be on his way out of the club after the 30-year-old was not included in the 18-man Villa squad that travelled to Germany for the Werder Bremen friendly (Birmingham Mail)

Aston Villa are planning a swoop for Ghana and Schalke 04 midfielder Anthony Annan. (Ghana Soccernet)

Villa are looking at £6m-rated Ipswich defender Aaron Cresswell which may leave the way clear for James Collins to leave. (Express & Star)

In: Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Matthew Lowton (Sheffield United, £3m), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, free), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord). Out: Emile Heskey (released), Carlos Cuellar (released), Brad Guzan (released).

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Chelsea

Youngster Gael Kakuta says he needs to return to France to save his career and he could be heading to Marseille who see the 21-year-old as an ideal relacement for Andre Ayew (Mail)

Chelsea are lining up Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner after seeing their pursuit of right-back target Cesar Azpilicueta stall. (Caught Offside)

Chelsea are poised to sign Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses in a deal worth £9 million after club owner Dave Whelan sactioned the move. (Daily Mirror)

In: Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £7m) Eden Hazard (Lille, £32m), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £7m) Oscar (Internacional, £25m) Out: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, free), Romelu Lukaka (West Brom, loan), Salomon Kalou (released), Jacob Mellis (Barnsley, free), Jose Bosingwa (released), Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan).

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Everton

Everton have leapfrogged city rivals Liverpool in the race to sign Manchester City winger Adam Johnson. (Metro)

The Toffees could also be set to usurp their fellow Merseyside rivals for the signature of Clint Dempsey from Fulham. (Mail)

Everton have hit the front of the queue to land French youngster M'Baye Niang from Caen. (The Sun)

In: Steven Naismith (Rangers, free). Out: Tim Cahill (NY Red Bulls, undisclosed), Adam Forshaw (Brentford, undisclosed), James McFadden (released), Marcus Hahnemann (released), James Wallace (Tranmere, undisclosed) Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, undisclosed). Jack Rodwell (Everton, £12m).

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Fulham

Second string goalkeeper David Stockdale will be sent ut on loan to gain more first-team experience after failing to outmuscle Mark Schwarzer for the full-time number one jersey. (Fulham Chronicle)

Martin Jol has been reporting to be expressing an interest in Bolton striker David N'gog for an estimated £3million.(Mirror)

Fulham have been linked with Andrei Arshavin who, despite returning to Russia to play for Zenit St Petersburg, is said to be keen on a return to the capital. (Here is the City)

In: Mladen Petric (Hamburg, free), George Williams (MK Dons, undisclosed), Hugo Rodallega (Wigan, free), Sascha Riether (Cologne, loan). Out: Andrew Johnson (QPR, free) Danny Murphy (Blackburn, free), Bjorn Helge Riise (released), Orlando Sa (released) Dickson Etuhu (Blackburn, undisclosed), Marcel Gecov (AA Gent, undisclosed).

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Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers could raid former club Swansea City to bring in defender Ashley Williams if he sells Daniel Agger. (Daily Mirror)

But Agger has said he would "rather stay" at Anfield but the decision could be out of his hands. (Mail)

Inter Milan have joined the race to sign speedy winger Theo Walcott but Liverpool are still believed to be leading the race for the England international (Daily Star)

Liverpool are closing in on 21-year-old Barcelona winger Christian Tello as Brendan Rodgers hopes to expand his options before the end of the transfer window (The Sun)

In: Joe Allen (Swansea City, £15m), Fabio Borini (Roma, £10m). Out: Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbache, £1m) Fabio Aurelio (Gremio, free) David Amoo (Preston North End, free), Stephen Darby (released), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys, undisclosed) Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina, undisclosed).

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Manchester City

City are reported to have won the race to sign highly-rated French teenager Jules Ntcham ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus. (Sky Sports)

City captain Vincent Kompany has urged the club's owners to beat their city rivals to the capture of Arsenal goal-machine Robin van Persie (Sky Sports)

Roberto Mancini is looking to add the signatures of Swansea forward Scott Sinclair and Liverpool's Daniel Agger after signing Jack Rodwell for £12 million yesterday. (The Sun)

In: Jack Rodwell (Everton, £12m) Out: Owen Hargreaves (released), Gunnar Nielsen (released), Stuart Taylor (released), Wayne Bridge (Brighton, loan), Greg Cunningham (Bristol City, free)

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Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has made a peace phone call to Arsene Wenger to try and engineer a move for Robin van Persie before he makes a better offer for the striker. (Daily Mail)

Oribe Peralta's heroics in the Olympic gold medal match have caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and he could be set to follow compatriot Javier Hernandez to Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)

Everton boss David Moyes may not be forced to sell Leighton Baines to Manchester United to boost funds after the club sold Jack Rodwell to United's rivals City. (Manchester Evening News)

In: Nick Powell (Crewe, £4m) Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund, £17m) Out: Tomasz Kuszczak (Brighton, free), Michael Owen (released), Richie De Laet (Leicester, undisclosed), Matty James (Leicester, undisclosed), Fabio (QPR, loan) Park Ji-sung (QPR, undisclosed)

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Newcastle United

It is reported Versatile Dutch international Vurnon Anita will fly to England for a medical at Newcastle after they agreed a fee of £6.2million with Ajax (Mail)

Newcastle are determined to force through the signing of Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy who has said he wants to leave the French outfit. (Talksport)

also on the hit list for Newcastle is midfielder Jeremy Toulalan who is currently with money-strapped Malaga. (Mirror)

In: Romain Amalfitano (Reims, free), Gael Bigirimana (Coventry, undisclosed) Out: Philip Airey (released), Ryan Donaldson (released), Danny Guthrie (released), Tamas Kadar (released), Peter Lovenkrands (released), Alan Smith (released), Leon Best (Blackburn, £3m), Fraser Forster (Celtic, £2m)

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Norwich City

Norwich have upped their offer for Leeds captain Robert Snodgrass in a bid to reunite the midfielder with Bradley Johnson and Jonny Howson. (Mirror)

Birmingham defender Curtis Davies is being targeted by his former manager Chris Hughton, who will return to his old club next week to try to sign the defender. (Mirror)

Norwich manager Chris Hughton is interested in signing Newcastle striker Nile Ranger. (Mail)

In: Steven Whittaker (Rangers, free), Jacob Butterfield (Barnsley, free) Michael Turner (Sunderland, undisclosed), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds, £3m) Out: Zak Whitbread (released), Aaron Wilbraham (released), Josh Dawkin (released), Adam Drury (Leeds) Adam Drury (Leeds, free)

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Queens Park Rangers

QPR misfit Joey Barton is on the brink of a season-long loan move to Blackpool. (Daily Mail)

Arsenal forward and QPR target Andrey Arshavin is also open to a move to Turkey, according to agent. (London24)

QPR want to sign Junior Hoilett, who is out of contract at Blackburn, but he will not be joining the club unless the London side agree on a £6m fee or a swap involving Jamie Mackie. (Mirror)

In: Park Ji-sung (Manchester United, undisclosed), Samba Diakite (Nancy, undisclosed), Robert Green (West Ham, free), Ryan Nelsen (Tottenham, free), Andrew Johnson (Fulham, free), Fabio (Manchester United, loan) Junior Hoilett (Blackburn, tribunal) Out: Peter Ramage (released), Danny Gabbidon (released), Danny Shittu (released), Fitz Hall (released), Gary Borrowdale (released), Lee Cook (released), Rowan Vine (released), Patrick Agyemang (released), Akos Buzsaky (released) Heidar Helguson (Cardiff, undisclosed), Paddy Kenny (Leeds, £400,000), Danny Shittu (Millwall, free)

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Reading

Reading have been put off by Blackburn defender Scott Dann's £6m price tag. (Daily Mail)

Nottingham Forest full-back Chris Gunter is to have a medical at Reading ahead of sealing a £2.3m switch. (BBC)

Reading set to sign centre-half Adrian Mariappa in £2m move from Watford (BBC)

In: Pierce Sweeney (Bray Wanderers, undisclosed), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Fulham, free), Danny Guthrie (Newcastle, free), Garath McCleary (Nottingham Forest, free), Nicky Shorey (West Brom, free) Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest, £2.5m), Adrian Mariappa (Watford, £2.5m) Out: Brian Howard (released), Tomasz Cywka (released), Andy Griffin (released), Jack Mills (released) Michail Antonio (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed)

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Southampton

Blackpool have reported Southampton to the Premier League, the Football League and the Football Association, for an illegal approach to exciting winger Matt Phillips (Mail)

Southampton want to sign Blackburn defender Scott Dann. (Mirror)

Saints failed to secure PSV striker Jeremain Lens with a £5m bid but they will make another offer. (Sun)

In: Jay Rodriguez (Burnley, £6m), Steven Davis (Rangers, free) Paulo Gazzaniga (Gillingham, undisclosed) Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace) Out: Radhi Jaidi (retired), David Connolly (released), Bartosz Bialkowski (released), Lee Holmes (Preston), Ryan Doble (released), Aaron Martin (Crystal Palace, loan) Dan Harding (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed)

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Stoke City

Stoke look set to miss out on signing Roman Lukaku on loan from Chelsea with the Belgian said to be set on staying in London. (Staffordshire)

A Major League Soccer valuation of £2.2m for USA and Houston Dynamos midfielder Geoff Cameron, 27, could put paid to Stoke's bid for the player (Mirror)

In: Jamie Ness (Rangers, free) Out: Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough, free), Andrew Davies (Bradford, free), Salif Diao (released), Ricardo Fuller (released), Louis Moult (released), Tom Soares (released)

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Sunderland

The Black Cats have been encouraged to pursue the chase of Jermain Defoe after the England striker said he did not want to spend another campaign on the bench at Tottenham. (London 24)

Sunderland are poised to win the race for the loan signature of Manchester City striker John Guidetti. (Caught Offside)

They have edged closer to signing Wolves striker Steven Fletcher after he handed in a transfer request. (Mirror)

In: Carlos Cuellar (Aston Villa, free) Out: Craig Gordon (released), Jordan Cook (released), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain undisclosed fee), George McCartney (West Ham, undisclosed) Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes, undisclosed) Michael Turner (Norwich, undisclosed)

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Swansea City

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, 23, reckons Swansea are keen to strike a deal for him from Italian club Udinese. (South Wales Evening Post)

A contract clause means that Joe Allen can leave Swansea for £15m, but only to a 'big five' club - which includes Liverpool (Mirror)

Stephen Dobbie looks likely to leave the club this month after a host of Championship teams have created a race for his signature. (This is South Wales)

In: Jose Manuel Flores (Genoa, £2m), Jonathan de Guzman (Villarreal, loan) Michu (Rayo Vallecano, £2m). Out: Joe Allen (Liverpool, £15m), Ferrie Bodde (released), Casey Thomas released), Joe Walsh (released).

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Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have launched a double French swoop having made a £12million offer for Renes midfielder Yann M'Vila and scouting Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue as he played against Montpellier on Friday. (Mail)

The club have been put on red alert after Fernando Llorente refused to sign a new contract with Athletic Bilbao. (The Sun)

Real Madrid could have finally agreed a fee for playmaker Luca Modric in the region of £25million. (Caught Offside)

In: Jan Vertonghen (Ajax, £10m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Hoffenheim, £8m) Out: Steven Pienaar (Everton, £4.5m) Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow, £5m) Niko Kranjcar (Dynamo Kiev, £2m) Ryan Nelsen (QPR, free)

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West Bromwich Albion

New Zealand international Chris Wood has been put up for sale by the Baggies after they signed Romelu Lukaku on loan. (Mirror)

West Brom are monitoring Villarreal's 25-year-old Colombian international defender Cristian Zapata. (Birmingham Mail)

Jonas Olsson has said he is keen to move to London, sparking rumours that he could be leaving West Brom for West Ham. (Express & Star)

In: Ben Foster (Birmingham, undisclosed), Yassine El Ghanassy (AA Gent, loan), Romelu Lukaka (Chelsea, loan), Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen, free), Claudio Yacob (Racing Club de Avellaneda) Out: Nicky Shorey (released), Joe Mattock (released), Somen Tchoyi (released), Keith Andrews (Bolton, free), Paul Scharner (released)

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West Ham United

West Ham have been alerted that contract talks between Sporting Lisbon and midfielder Adrien Silva have collapsed. (Daily Star)

West Ham must pay £10million if they are to secure the signature of Wolves winger Matt Jarvis (Sun)

The Hammers are close to bolstering their defensive options with a double deal for Aston Villa's James Collins and former Werder Bremen defender Sebastian Boenisch. (Metro)

In: Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton, free) Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth, undisclosed) Mohamed Diame (Wigan, free), George McCartney (Sunderland, undisclosed) James Collins (Aston Villa, undisclosed), Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, £5m) Out: Robert Green (QPR, free), Julien Faubert (released), John Carew (released), Abdoulaye Faye (released), Papa Bouba Diop (released), Frank Nouble (released) Ravel Morrison (Birmingham, loan)

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Wigan Athletic

Roberto Martinez is prepared to let Conor Sammon leave the club to join Championship outfit Derby County in a £1.2million move (Mirror)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis after interest from Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic. (Sun)

In: Fraser Fyvie (Aberdeen, undisclosed) Ivan Ramis (Real Mallorca, undisclosed) Ryo Miyaichi (Arsenal, loan) Out: Chris Kirkland (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Mohamed Diame (West Ham, free), Hugo Rodallega (Fulham, free), Hendry Thomas (released), Steve Gohouri (released), Jordan Robinson (released)

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Arsène Get Strange Phone Calls & Other Transfer Gossip

Considering that most of the first team squad are on holiday fine-tuning their pre-season fitness with their national teams, the media are trying to suggest that this could be a busy week for the manager. Arsène had already had an inkling that it might be so; no sooner had the plane touched down at Luton on Sunday when his phone rang. Instead of the loving tones of his wife declaring she had missed him, it was a slurring Govan boy demanding the release of Robin. Apparently Fergie was none too chuffed when Arsène replied that he could not possibly tell him whether Robin was free and that if he really wanted to know, Fergie would have to sit throughThe Dark Knight Rises and stay awake this time, to find out the answer.

As if. It certainly was a new angle for the papers to take, an all-action Manchester United manager on the phone to save their ailing share price summer by signing Dutch striker. I have no doubt that there is a genuine desire for van Persie to sign for them on the part of player and club. But there is a bigger desire not to pay through the nose for him and that this pursuit is not going to be easy to resolve.

There is a mistaken belief that Arsenal cannot afford not to sell him, the presumption being that this will fund more spending. However, with no-0ne willing to match the asking price, many believe Arsenal will capitulate and sell at well below the oft-quoted sum of £20m. I do not see that this is the case. Arsenal have spent more this summer with half an eye on next as well. The midfield has been strengthened as has the forward line; the latter is definitely looking to the future without the Dutchman.

Whilst Arsenal will spend money next summer, they will not need to spend as much as this year nor on so many players. On top of which, retaining van Persie offers the opportunity to challenge for silverware. In turn, this means higher prize money which can more than make-up the shortfall in transfer revenues. For example, progressing to the Champions League Quarter-Finals or further in the FA Cup. Quick wins that easily mount up. There is no immediate need for the sale and whilst it helps the business model, Arsenal are not dependant upon this transfer to sustain themselves. It is just too simplistic to claim such to be true.

Judging by the photos released to the media, I wonder if Robin is thinking of asking for a transfer to the Spanish national team. He looked distinctly unhappy in the Dutch training camp.

As it is, Arsenal are proposing a change to Premier League rules which will enable them to charge clubs in the division a fee for using their scouting services since they are all too lazy to employ enough of their own to do the job. Latest in a long line of threatened hijackings to Arsène’s summer transfer activity is Liverpool (once again) who want Cristian Tello. As far as I have seen, the only time that the Barcelona winger has been mentioned is as a makeweight in selling Alex Song to Barcelona.

The Cameroonean is being more cute about it all, pledging his loyalty to Arsenal whilst at the same time being flattered by the Catalan interest. At the end of the day, which player would not be? Too often we impose our own loyalties on players who are nothing more than employees. Even those who we claim as one of our own are motivated by money; rare are those such as Adams and O’Leary who spend their career at one club (or the majority of it). Let’s not forget either that the club is never shy of selling players who have served their purpose; it’s a two-way street.

Elsewhere, the club has confirmed that Ryo has gone to Wigan on loan – another reason why Tello is not a serious target – whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Laurent Koscielny have withdrawn through injury from their respective national squads for this week’s meaningless friendlies. The former’s injury is not considered serious but no news on the latter’s yet. Playing friendlies at this time is contentious; England are making money by playing Italy in Switzerland which underlines the reasons for the matches. Fifa has continually stated that this week is set aside for internationals but that matches do not have to be played, it is a decision for the FAs as to whether or not they do. Simple way to solve the problem but Fifa do not have the cojones to take it, do they?

’til Tomorrow.

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Arsenal Bear Their Teeth & Transfer Gossip

Arsenal didn’t need their absent captain to win a trophy, the Fox’s Glacier Mint Cup is soon to be nestling in the trophy cabinet. As for Robin van Persie, he was allegedly seen house-hunting in Hale although curiously enough there were no photos taken of said house-hunt and I understand he was also seen at The Bamboo House in Crouch End, collecting his Egg Foo Yung before he jetted off on holiday. Quite why either story has taken so long to surface is beyond me.

Reports from the Markus Liebherr Memorial Trophy are a time for the football writers to get back to their high standards, training for them also. Rik Sharma’s rustiness was underlined in this morning’s Heil on Sunday by claiming that, “Slack defensive play saw De Sutter in early to convert what he believed to be his second goal of the day, but he was offside.” So it wasn’t slack defensive play but an offside trap? Steve Bould has much to answer for already, confusing journalists with this new-fangled defence thingy.

Highlight of the day was not the contrived penalty shootout after the 1-1 draw with Southampton but the equaliser from Gervinho, not quite a Kanu Believe It moment but a great goal nonetheless.

That was after Henri Lansbury had marked his return to the club with the winner over Anderlecht

Match reports for Anderlecht and Southampton can be found here and here on the official site.

Elsewhere, all of the first team squad report for training on Monday morning, those who were at Euro2012 have had their holidays and now begin to integrate new signings into the fold ahead of the departure for Asia next weekend. That will be the first that we get to see Podolski and Giroud in action for the club; it is perhaps too much to hope that a new player will be on board by the time the plane leaves.

It’s a time of back-to-back meetings for Arsène, with van Persie reportedly meeting the club this weekend, fending off a £15m bid from Manchester City, Theo Walcott’s contract to be sorted and negotiating the sales of those no longer wanted whilst persuading Ganso to come to The Emirates as well as Yann M’vila and Ibrahim Affellay. Just what the club needs, another wide player. And Matt Law’s move to the Mirror has already led to complacency, erasing the creditable point gained at St James Park last summer from memory with Liverpool now the first home game of 2011-12 season.

No doubt the club will be itching to use the £2.50 received from Manchester City from the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor. City we are frequently told needed to get Adebayor off the books in order to be FFP compliant; they didn’t. All players whose contracts were signed in June 2010 or before, are excluded from the calculations of profitability at the this moment in time. There was a genuine financial reason in terms of saving money but for FFP? No, siree. Another loophole being exploited.

Football Governance is under scrutiny as never before but with loopholes through which a coach and horses can be driven, there is a genuine doubt about whether anything more than lip-service is being paid to such matters. The latest rumour is of Adebayor’s wages being paid by City in part; I think that unlikely, more an interpretation of the extraordinarily low transfer fee being paid. Any residual contract payment has to be made in accordance with the terms agreed by the player; continuance of the salary differential likely to be part of the pay-off to appease the player not subsidise Tottenham.

As it is, Adebayor (and Bendtner for that matter) exemplified the problems with the loan system for differing but similar reasons. City have stockpiled talent in pursuit of glory; loaning players a way of recouping costs. Arsenal had promising talent that never developed at a particular point in time; loaning players a way of recouping costs. Neither player could participate in a match against their parent club. Both players had their wages paid in part by that parent club.

Where to begin?!! For starters, the clubs who loan the players cannot be allowed to pay part of the wages; all or nothing, I am afraid. Spurs qualified for Europe next season in part because of City’s subsidy. That is not right; clubs who want to borrow players have to be able to afford them. Players if they want to play, have to take a pay cut. Equally, the rule of not playing against a parent club is ludicrous. It challenges the integrity of the individual; it challenges the integrity of both clubs. Condemned before there is even a chance to prove their worth. Most loan players are on the transfer list nowadays; long gone is the lower division training ground for youth. Now the loan is a shop window and I suspect that a player is going to try harder rather than take it easy against his parent club; the manager has deemed him surplus to requirements and points need to be proven. Ego is a powerful motivator.

’til Tomorrow.

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Pre-Season Ends With Gentle Win & Transfer Gossip

A low key pre-season finished on a relative high note. The runout in Cologne was gentle and Arsenal showed that even in a muted performance, they were several levels above their hosts. It would be easy to get carried away following the margin of victory, both in terms of goals and abilities, so hey, let’s do exactly that!

Just kidding.

The three new signings all started the match with Cazorla dictating the match; a slew of pre-season changes are being made to Fantasy Football teams this week following an authoratitive performance by the Spaniard. Olivier Giroud was likewise lively, his movement good and he continually put himself into good scoring positions, thwarted continually by Horn in what was a personal dual between the two.

With the tempo of the match not far above strolling, it would be easy to proclaim the immediate influence of Steve Bould in terms of organisation when Arsenal did not have the ball. However, such pace enabled quick recovery when the players realised that they were not holding their lines and as such, there is little point in making too much virtue out of the clean sheet. It would be churlish to ignore it and with better fortune, the hosts might have breached the Arsenal defence twice. Manonne fumbled onto the crossbar whilst Lehmann’s sweetly struck drive in the second half, surely deserved better reward than rattling the woodwork.

The opening goal though had Bould’s hallmark touch. Following Horn’s smart save from Giroud, Cazorla’s corner kick flicked on by Mertesacker and met by the unchallenged Vermaelen, who headed from close range. Ten minutes later, Oxlade-Chamberlain was felled in the area. With a German in your side, there is only one person to entrust with the spot-kick and Podolski duly scored. Subsequent to that burst of goalscoring, Giroud was fed chances and denied by Horn. Köln infrequently troubled the visitors defence and when they did, chances were skewed wide or peetered into the ether.

Arsenal’s third arrived moments before the half-time whistle. Podolski released Gibbs on the left and as the full back scampered down the line, the German tracked and moved into the area, receiving the cutback and burying the chance with aplomb. Robin van who?

Robin van who, indeed as the Dutchman was the noticeable absentee when the team emerged for the second half. Ten Arsenal changes, Podolski was the only remaining participant in purple, from the first half. Arshavin took Cazorla’s central role and flattered whilst Gervinho looked reinvigorated following the summer off and the tour of Asia. He danced on the wing, dallied when shooting or passing was a better option and then watched Podolski do the same. To top it off, he outsprinted the defence, mesmirised them on the way back into area and then buried the chance by deceiving the goalkeeper. Four for the visitors, the afternoon’s scoring wrapped up with a quarter of the match still to play.

Podolski’s ovation was in stark contrast to the muted reception van Persie received. Reduced to a bit-part role today, it may be that van Gaal will play the Dutchman for 90 minutes in midweek to give him his pre-season practice. It is not ideal then neither is his continued silence, refusing to clarify or retract his statement. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t.

Post-match, Arsène protested his innocence in the van Persie affair,

Our fans want him to stay so you can understand they are excited. Anything I could say about Van Persie would be a lie because he’s our player and that’s it. Robin scored 30 goals last season and you want to keep your best player.

He was player of the year in England. We want to keep him. I cannot tell you more at the moment because I don’t know more.

Surprisingly – or not given how few were actually at the match – no English journalists followed this up with a question about the reported meetings between the player and manager. I am not sure that I would say Arsenal supporters are excited either; hugely indifferent or in a small minority, malevolently biased against the player. Excitable, yes. Excited by the issue? No.We shall see how it pans out but a point is fast being reached where van Persie either moves or is left the bridesmaid as suitors do not meet the dowry requirement. Arsenal’s asking price is higher than others might want and in this day and age, shifting players deemed surplus to requirements is the first priority. Then the luxury goods can be bought. To some extent, I think he will have been expecting this scenario and not retracting the statement is a wise move; it leaves the door open to more derision when he moves on. The problem for van Persie is that this has happened a year or two too late. The club’s finances are stronger than before with incoming players not reliant upon sales. Yes, I am sure that the beancounters would like the £15m on offer but that can easily be made up by the enhanced prize money on offer if the Dutchman reproduces last season’s form.Elsewhere, Ryo Miyaichi’s loan move to Wigan is all but finalised and Nicklas Bendtner – remember him – is being linked with a swap deal for Philippe Mexes. No, I don’t think that will happen either.

View the original article here

Premier League Transfer Talk - August 11

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Aston Villa

Spurs defender Danny Rose could be in line to join Aston Villa for a temporary stay. (Life's a Pitch)

Aston Villa are planning a swoop for Ghana and Schalke 04 midfielder Anthony Annan. (Ghana Soccernet)

Villa are looking at £6m-rated Ipswich defender Aaron Cresswell which may leave the way clear for James Collins to leave. (Express & Star)

In: Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Matthew Lowton (Sheffield United, £3m), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, free), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord). Out: Emile Heskey (released), Carlos Cuellar (released), Brad Guzan (released).

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Chelsea

Chelsea are poised to sign Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses in a deal worth £9 million after club owner Dave Whelan sactioned the move. (The Daily Mirror)

Roberto Mancini's side are set to make an improved bid of £20 million for Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle. (Goal.com)

The European champions have been alerted to the fact Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has turned down a new contract and couild make their move soon. (Metro)

In: Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £7m) Eden Hazard (Lille, £32m), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £7m) Oscar (Internacional, £25m) Out: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, free), Romelu Lukaka (West Brom, loan), Salomon Kalou (released), Jacob Mellis (Barnsley, free), Jose Bosingwa (released), Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan).

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Everton

Steven Pienaar has urged Everton to resist Manchester United move for Leighton Baines. (Guardian)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis. (Sun)

Johnny Heitinga, 28, who is expected to transfer to Turkish side Fenerbahce within days in a £5m deal, is still wanted at Everton. (Liverpool Echo)

In: Steven Naismith (Rangers, free). Out: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce), Tim Cahill (NY Red Bulls, undisclosed), Adam Forshaw (Brentford, undisclosed), James McFadden (released), Marcus Hahnemann (released), James Wallace (Tranmere, undisclosed) Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, undisclosed).

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Fulham

Fulham have been linked with Andrei Arshavin who, despite returning to Russia to play for Zenit St Petersburg, is said to be keen on a return to the capital. (Here is the City)

Nigel Reo-Coker is considering offers from three Serie A clubs after turning down an offer to join Fulham following his departure from Bolton. (Mirror)

Huddersfield Town coy on reports that Blackburn are latest club to make a bid for Fulham target Jordan Rhodes. (TeamTalk)

In: Mladen Petric (Hamburg, free), George Williams (MK Dons, undisclosed), Hugo Rodallega (Wigan, free), Sascha Riether (Cologne, loan). Out: Andrew Johnson (QPR, free) Danny Murphy (Blackburn, free), Bjorn Helge Riise (released), Orlando Sa (released) Dickson Etuhu (Blackburn, undisclosed), Marcel Gecov (AA Gent, undisclosed).

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Liverpool

Liverpool have been told they will have to pay £15.9 million for Bologna’s Gaston Ramirez. (Evening Standard)

Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, is said to have joined the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin. (Daily Mail)

In: Joe Allen (Swansea City, £15m), Fabio Borini (Roma, £10m). Out: Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbache, £1m) Fabio Aurelio (Gremio, free) David Amoo (Preston North End, free), Stephen Darby (released), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys, undisclosed) Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina, undisclosed).

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Manchester City

AC Milan’s bid to take Edin Dzeko on loan has been rejected by Manchester City, with club wanting €31.5 million permanent deal. (ForzaItalianFootball)

City are set to launch a £20m bid for Roma's Italian international midfielder Daniele De Rossi. (Mail)

Manchester City are showing interest in Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou. (Mail)

City target Robin van Persie will refuse to join the same side as his former Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor. (Mirror)

In: None Out: Owen Hargreaves (released), Gunnar Nielsen (released), Stuart Taylor (released), Wayne Bridge (Brighton, loan), Greg Cunningham (Bristol City, free)

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Manchester United

Manchester United are pulling out of the race for Brazilian whizzkid Lucas Mour over extra fees. (A Different League)

United are hoping to curtail Arsenal's bid to sign Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid on loan by making full offer. (Metro)

Chelsea and Juventus loko to haveb lost to United in the hunt to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski (footylatest)

United are monitoring Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole's situation after telling Everton they will not increase their £12m offer for Leighton Baines. (Metro)

United are vying with Arsenal for Celtic's 21-year-old defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama. (Mail)

In: Nick Powell (Crewe, £4m) Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund, £17m) Out: Tomasz Kuszczak (Brighton, free), Michael Owen (released), Richie De Laet (Leicester, undisclosed), Matty James (Leicester, undisclosed), Fabio (QPR, loan) Park Ji-sung (QPR, undisclosed)

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Newcastle United

Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy has been told a move will not be forced through to Newcastle. (Evening Standard)

Next on the hit list for Newcastle is midfielder Jeremy Toulalan who is currently with money-strapped Malaga. (Mirror)

Newcastle have made a fresh move in their bid to capture Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy. (Independent)

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll does not want to make his loan move to West Ham United permanent. The 23-year-old is reported to have told friends he will only leave Anfield to return to Newcastle United. (Guardian)

In: Romain Amalfitano (Reims, free), Gael Bigirimana (Coventry, undisclosed) Out: Philip Airey (released), Ryan Donaldson (released), Danny Guthrie (released), Tamas Kadar (released), Peter Lovenkrands (released), Alan Smith (released), Leon Best (Blackburn, £3m), Fraser Forster (Celtic, £2m)

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Norwich City

Norwich have upped their offer for Leeds captain Robert Snodgrass in a bid to reunite the midfielder with Bradley Johnson and Jonny Howson. (Mirror)

Birmingham defender Curtis Davies is being targeted by his former manager Chris Hughton, who will return to his old club next week to try to sign the defender. (Mirror)

Norwich manager Chris Hughton is interested in signing Newcastle striker Nile Ranger. (Mail)

In: Steven Whittaker (Rangers, free), Jacob Butterfield (Barnsley, free) Michael Turner (Sunderland, undisclosed), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds, £3m) Out: Zak Whitbread (released), Aaron Wilbraham (released), Josh Dawkin (released), Adam Drury (Leeds) Adam Drury (Leeds, free)

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Queens Park Rangers

Arsenal forward and QPR target Andrey Arshavin is also open to a move to Turkey, according to agent. (London24)

Joey Barton could be joining join League Two club Fleetwood Town on loan after a 12-game ban last season left him firmly in the doghouse at QPR. (Off the Post)

QPR want to sign Junior Hoilett, who is out of contract at Blackburn, but he will not be joining the club unless the London side agree on a £6m fee or a swap involving Jamie Mackie. (Mirror)

In: Park Ji-sung (Manchester United, undisclosed), Samba Diakite (Nancy, undisclosed), Robert Green (West Ham, free), Ryan Nelsen (Tottenham, free), Andrew Johnson (Fulham, free), Fabio (Manchester United, loan) Junior Hoilett (Blackburn, tribunal) Out: Peter Ramage (released), Danny Gabbidon (released), Danny Shittu (released), Fitz Hall (released), Gary Borrowdale (released), Lee Cook (released), Rowan Vine (released), Patrick Agyemang (released), Akos Buzsaky (released) Heidar Helguson (Cardiff, undisclosed) Paddy Kenny (Leeds, £400,000)

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Reading

Reading have been put off by Blackburn defender Scott Dann's £6m price tag. (Daily Mail)

Nottingham Forest full-back Chris Gunter is to have a medical at Reading ahead of sealing a £2.3m switch. (BBC)

Reading set to sign centre-half Adrian Mariappa in £2m move from Watford (BBC)

In: Pierce Sweeney (Bray Wanderers, undisclosed), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Fulham, free), Danny Guthrie (Newcastle, free), Garath McCleary (Nottingham Forest, free), Nicky Shorey (West Brom, free) Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest, £2.5m), Adrian Mariappa (Watford, £2.5m) Out: Brian Howard (released), Tomasz Cywka (released), Andy Griffin (released), Jack Mills (released) Michail Antonio (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed)

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Southampton

Southampton are in line to sign Wolves defender Christophe Berra for £3m (The Sun)

Southampton want to sign Blackburn defender Scott Dann. (Mirror)

Saints failed to secure PSV striker Jeremain Lens with a £5m bid but they will make another offer. (Sun)

In: Jay Rodriguez (Burnley, £6m), Steven Davis (Rangers, free) Paulo Gazzaniga (Gillingham, undisclosed) Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace) Out: Radhi Jaidi (retired), David Connolly (released), Bartosz Bialkowski (released), Lee Holmes (Preston), Ryan Doble (released), Aaron Martin (Crystal Palace, loan) Dan Harding (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed)

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Stoke City

Stoke look set to miss out on signing Roman Lukaku on loan from Chelsea with the Belgian said to be set on staying in London. (Staffordshire)

A Major League Soccer valuation of £2.2m for USA and Houston Dynamos midfielder Geoff Cameron, 27, could put paid to Stoke's bid for the player (Mirror)

In: Jamie Ness (Rangers, free) Out: Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough, free), Andrew Davies (Bradford, free), Salif Diao (released), Ricardo Fuller (released), Louis Moult (released), Tom Soares (released)

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Sunderland

Sunderland are poised to win the race for the loan signature of Manchester City striker John Guidetti. (Caught Offside)

Sunderland have put in a £12m bid for Wolves striker Steve Fletcher, whom the Midlands club are believed to value at £15m. (Mail)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis after interest from Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic. (Sun)

Aston Villa's Gabby Agbonlahor has dampened rumours of a possible move to Sunderland, saying he has not been in contact with Martin O'Neill. (Sunderland Echo)

In: Carlos Cuellar (Aston Villa, free) Out: Craig Gordon (released), Jordan Cook (released), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain undisclosed fee), George McCartney (West Ham, undisclosed) Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes, undisclosed) Michael Turner (Norwich, undisclosed)

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Swansea City

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, 23, reckons Swansea are keen to strike a deal for him from Italian club Udinese. (South Wales Evening Post)

A contract clause means that Joe Allen can leave Swansea for £15m, but only to a 'big five' club - which includes Liverpool (Mirror)

Stephen Dobbie has said he wants to stay and fight for his place at Swansea and has denied rumours that he will be making a move away from the club. (Clubcall)

In: Jose Manuel Flores (Genoa, £2m), Jonathan de Guzman (Villarreal, loan) Michu (Rayo Vallecano, £2m). Out: Joe Allen (Liverpool, £15m), Ferrie Bodde (released), Casey Thomas released), Joe Walsh (released).

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Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are being linked with a move for Partizan Belgrade midfielder Mohamed Kamara. (TalkSport)

Real Madrid have increased their offer for midfielder Luka Modric to £30m, but Tottenham are holding out for a fee of £40m for the 26-year-old. (Mirror)

The club's bid for Malaga's Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon looks over after Rubin Kazan offered £10m (footielatest)

In: Jan Vertonghen (Ajax, £10m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Hoffenheim, £8m) Out: Steven Pienaar (Everton, £4.5m) Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow, £5m) Niko Kranjcar (Dynamo Kiev, £2m) Ryan Nelsen (QPR, free)

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West Bromwich Albion

West Brom are monitoring Villarreal's 25-year-old Colombian international defender Cristian Zapata. (Birmingham Mail)

Jonas Olsson has said he is keen to move to London, sparking rumours that he could be leaving West Brom for West Ham. (Express & Star)

In: Ben Foster (Birmingham, undisclosed), Yassine El Ghanassy (AA Gent, loan), Romelu Lukaka (Chelsea, loan), Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen, free), Claudio Yacob (Racing Club de Avellaneda) Out: Nicky Shorey (released), Joe Mattock (released), Somen Tchoyi (released), Keith Andrews (Bolton, free), Paul Scharner (released)

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West Ham United

West Ham lead race for Evian striker Yannick Sagbo, who's had approaches from Fulham, Wolfsburg and Marseille. (Sun)

The Hammers are close to bolstering their defensive options with a double deal for Aston Villa's James Collins and former Werder Bremen defender Sebastian Boenisch. (Metro)

Newcastle are no longer the sole runners in the race for FC Twente defender Douglas after Fulham and West Ham also submitted bids. (Sun)

In: Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton, free) Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth, undisclosed) Mohamed Diame (Wigan, free), George McCartney (Sunderland, undisclosed) James Collins (Aston Villa, undisclosed), Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, £5m) Out: Robert Green (QPR, free), Julien Faubert (released), John Carew (released), Abdoulaye Faye (released), Papa Bouba Diop (released), Frank Nouble (released) Ravel Morrison (Birmingham, loan)

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Wigan Athletic

Wigan have approached Arsenal about taking Japanese striker Ryo Miyaichi on loan to fill the void left by Victor Moses who is set to join Chelsea. (Mirror)

Champions League winners Chelsea are preparing a final £7.5m offer for 21-year-old Wigan Athletic winger Victor Moses. (Mail)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis after interest from Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic. (Sun)

In: Fraser Fyvie (Aberdeen, undisclosed) Ivan Ramis (Real Mallorca, undisclosed) Out: Chris Kirkland (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Mohamed Diame (West Ham, free), Hugo Rodallega (Fulham, free), Hendry Thomas (released), Steve Gohouri (released), Jordan Robinson (released)

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Premier League Transfer Talk

In: Olivier Giroud (Montpellier, £13m) Lukas Podoloski (Cologne, £11m) Santi Cazorla (Malaga, £16.5m) Out: Manuel Almunia (released), Gavin Hoyte (released), Jeffrey Monakana (Preston, free), Joel Campbell (Real Betis, loan), Denilson (Sao Paulo, loan) Benik Afobe (Bolton, loan).

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Aston Villa

Spurs defender Danny Rose could be in line to join Aston Villa for a temporary stay. (Life's a Pitch)

Aston Villa are planning a swoop for Ghana and Schalke 04 midfielder Anthony Annan (Ghana Soccernet)

Villa are looking at £6m-rated Ipswich defender Aaron Cresswell which may leave the way clear for James Collins to leave. (Express & Star)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis after interest from Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic. (Sun)

In: Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Matthew Lowton (Sheffield United, £3m), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, free), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord) Out: Emile Heskey (released), Carlos Cuellar (released), Brad Guzan (released)

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Chelsea

Chelsea are set to make an improved bid of £20 million for Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle. (Goal.com)

Chelsea alerted to fact Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has turned down a new contract. (Metro)

Chelsea's hopes of signing Brazilian striker Hulk from Porto are receding after Zenit St Petersburg made a £40m offer, plus Bruno Alves, for the 26-year-old. (Mirror)

In: Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £7m) Eden Hazard (Lille, £32m), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £7m) Oscar (Internacional, £25m) Out: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, free), Salomon Kalou (released), Jacob Mellis (Barnsley, free), Jose Bosingwa (released), Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan)

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Everton

Steven Pienaar has urged Everton to resist Manchester United move for Leighton Baines. (Guardian)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis. (Sun)

Johnny Heitinga, 28, who is expected to transfer to Turkish side Fenerbahce within days in a £5m deal, is still wanted at Everton. (Liverpool Echo)

Everton want Lyon's Aly Cissokho but will have to fight off interest from Benfica and Serie A side Napoli, who are also considering offers for the full-back. (talkSPORT)

In: Steven Naismith (Rangers, free) Out: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce), Tim Cahill (NY Red Bulls, undisclosed), Adam Forshaw (Brentford, undisclosed), James McFadden (released), Marcus Hahnemann (released), James Wallace (Tranmere, undisclosed) Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, undisclosed)

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Fulham

Nigel Reo-Coker is considering offers from three Serie A clubs after turning down an offer to join Fulham following his departure from Bolton. (Mirror)

Huddersfield Town coy on reports that Blackburn are latest club to make a bid for Fulham target Jordan Rhodes. (TeamTalk)

Clint Dempsey has missed the club's pre-season trip to Switzerland. The £10m-rated American has been linked with a move to Liverpool. (Sun)

Fulham are interested in out-of-favour Hoffenheim winger Ryan Babel, who is wanted by Newcastle, Swansea and Tottenham. (Mail)

In: Mladen Petric (Hamburg, free), George Williams (MK Dons, undisclosed), Hugo Rodallega (Wigan, free), Sascha Riether (Cologne, loan) Out: Andrew Johnson (QPR, free) Danny Murphy (Blackburn, free), Bjorn Helge Riise (released), Orlando Sa (released) Dickson Etuhu (Blackburn, undisclosed), Marcel Gecov (AA Gent, undisclosed)

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Liverpool

Liverpool have been told they will have to pay £15.9 million for Bologna’s Gaston Ramirez. (Evening Standard)

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool agree £30m deal for Brazil's Lucas Moura, and are looking to press ahead with their move for Robin van Persie. (Mail)

In: Fabio Borini (Roma, £10m) Out: Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbache, £1m) Fabio Aurelio (Gremio, free) David Amoo (Preston North End, free), Stephen Darby (released), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys, undisclosed) Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina, undisclosed),

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Manchester City

AC Milan’s bid to take Edin Dzeko on loan has been rejected by Manchester City, with club wanting €31.5 million permanent deal. (ForzaItalianFootball)

City are set to launch a £20m bid for Roma's Italian international midfielder Daniele De Rossi. (Mail)

Manchester City are showing interest in Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou. (Mail)

City target Robin van Persie will refuse to join the same side as his former Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor. (Mirror)

In: None Out: Owen Hargreaves (released), Gunnar Nielsen (released), Stuart Taylor (released), Wayne Bridge (Brighton, loan), Greg Cunningham (Bristol City, free)

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Manchester United

Manchester United are pulling out of the race for Brazilian whizzkid Lucas Mour over extra fees. (A Different League)

United are hoping to curtail Arsenal's bid to sign Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid on loan by making full offer. (Metro)

Chelsea and Juventus loko to haveb lost to United in the hunt to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski (footylatest)

United are monitoring Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole's situation after telling Everton they will not increase their £12m offer for Leighton Baines. (Metro)

United are vying with Arsenal for Celtic's 21-year-old defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama. (Mail)

In: Nick Powell (Crewe, £4m) Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund, £17m) Out: Tomasz Kuszczak (Brighton, free), Michael Owen (released), Richie De Laet (Leicester, undisclosed), Matty James (Leicester, undisclosed), Fabio (QPR, loan) Park Ji-sung (QPR, undisclosed)

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Newcastle United

Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy has been told a move will not be forced through to Newcastle. (Evening Standard)

Next on the hit list for Newcastle is midfielder Jeremy Toulalan who is currently with money-strapped Malaga. (Mirror)

Newcastle have made a fresh move in their bid to capture Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy. (Independent)

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll does not want to make his loan move to West Ham United permanent. The 23-year-old is reported to have told friends he will only leave Anfield to return to Newcastle United. (Guardian)

In: Romain Amalfitano (Reims, free), Gael Bigirimana (Coventry, undisclosed) Out: Philip Airey (released), Ryan Donaldson (released), Danny Guthrie (released), Tamas Kadar (released), Peter Lovenkrands (released), Alan Smith (released), Leon Best (Blackburn, £3m), Fraser Forster (Celtic, £2m)

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Norwich City

Norwich have upped their offer for Leeds captain Robert Snodgrass in a bid to reunite the midfielder with Bradley Johnson and Jonny Howson. (Mirror)

Birmingham defender Curtis Davies is being targeted by his former manager Chris Hughton, who will return to his old club next week to try to sign the defender. (Mirror)

Norwich manager Chris Hughton is interested in signing Newcastle striker Nile Ranger. (Mail)

In: Steven Whittaker (Rangers, free), Jacob Butterfield (Barnsley, free) Michael Turner (Sunderland, undisclosed), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds, £3m) Out: Zak Whitbread (released), Aaron Wilbraham (released), Josh Dawkin (released), Adam Drury (Leeds) Adam Drury (Leeds, free)

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Queens Park Rangers

Arsenal forward and QPR target Andrey Arshavin is also open to a move to Turkey, according to agent. (London24)

Joey Barton could be joining join League Two club Fleetwood Town on loan after a 12-game ban last season left him firmly in the doghouse at QPR. (Off the Post)

QPR want to sign Junior Hoilett, who is out of contract at Blackburn, but he will not be joining the club unless the London side agree on a £6m fee or a swap involving Jamie Mackie. (Mirror)

In: Park Ji-sung (Manchester United, undisclosed), Samba Diakite (Nancy, undisclosed), Robert Green (West Ham, free), Ryan Nelsen (Tottenham, free), Andrew Johnson (Fulham, free), Fabio (Manchester United, loan) Junior Hoilett (Blackburn, tribunal) Out: Peter Ramage (released), Danny Gabbidon (released), Danny Shittu (released), Fitz Hall (released), Gary Borrowdale (released), Lee Cook (released), Rowan Vine (released), Patrick Agyemang (released), Akos Buzsaky (released) Heidar Helguson (Cardiff, undisclosed) Paddy Kenny (Leeds, £400,000)

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Reading

Reading have been put off by Blackburn defender Scott Dann's £6m price tag. (Daily Mail)

Nottingham Forest full-back Chris Gunter is to have a medical at Reading ahead of sealing a £2.3m switch. (BBC)

Reading set to sign centre-half Adrian Mariappa in £2m move from Watford (BBC)

In: Pierce Sweeney (Bray Wanderers, undisclosed), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Fulham, free), Danny Guthrie (Newcastle, free), Garath McCleary (Nottingham Forest, free), Nicky Shorey (West Brom, free) Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest, £2.5m), Adrian Mariappa (Watford, £2.5m) Out: Brian Howard (released), Tomasz Cywka (released), Andy Griffin (released), Jack Mills (released) Michail Antonio (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed)

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Southampton

Southampton are in line to sign Wolves defender Christophe Berra for £3m (The Sun)

Southampton want to sign Blackburn defender Scott Dann. (Mirror)

Saints failed to secure PSV striker Jeremain Lens with a £5m bid but they will make another offer. (Sun)

In: Jay Rodriguez (Burnley, £6m), Steven Davis (Rangers, free) Paulo Gazzaniga (Gillingham, undisclosed) Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace) Out: Radhi Jaidi (retired), David Connolly (released), Bartosz Bialkowski (released), Lee Holmes (Preston), Ryan Doble (released), Aaron Martin (Crystal Palace, loan) Dan Harding (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed)

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Stoke City

Stoke look set to miss out on signing Roman Lukaku on loan from Chelsea with the Belgian said to be set on staying in London. (Staffordshire)

A Major League Soccer valuation of £2.2m for USA and Houston Dynamos midfielder Geoff Cameron, 27, could put paid to Stoke's bid for the player (Mirror)

In: Jamie Ness (Rangers, free) Out: Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough, free), Andrew Davies (Bradford, free), Salif Diao (released), Ricardo Fuller (released), Louis Moult (released), Tom Soares (released)

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Sunderland

Sunderland are poised to win the race for the loan signature of Manchester City striker John Guidetti. (Caught Offside)

Sunderland have put in a £12m bid for Wolves striker Steve Fletcher, whom the Midlands club are believed to value at £15m. (Mail)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis after interest from Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic. (Sun)

Aston Villa's Gabby Agbonlahor has dampened rumours of a possible move to Sunderland, saying he has not been in contact with Martin O'Neill. (Sunderland Echo)

In: Carlos Cuellar (Aston Villa, free) Out: Craig Gordon (released), Jordan Cook (released), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain undisclosed fee), George McCartney (West Ham, undisclosed) Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes, undisclosed) Michael Turner (Norwich, undisclosed)

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Swansea City

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, 23, reckons Swansea are keen to strike a deal for him from Italian club Udinese. (South Wales Evening Post)

A contract clause means that Joe Allen can leave Swansea for £15m, but only to a 'big five' club - which includes Liverpool (Mirror)

Stephen Dobbie has said he wants to stay and fight for his place at Swansea and has denied rumours that he will be making a move away from the club. (Clubcall)

In: Jose Manuel Flores (Genoa, £2m), Jonathan de Guzman (Villarreal, loan) Michu (Rayo Vallecano, £2m) Out: Ferrie Bodde (released), Casey Thomas released), Joe Walsh (released)

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Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are being linked with a move for Partizan Belgrade midfielder Mohamed Kamara. (TalkSport)

Real Madrid have increased their offer for midfielder Luka Modric to £30m, but Tottenham are holding out for a fee of £40m for the 26-year-old. (Mirror)

The club's bid for Malaga's Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon looks over after Rubin Kazan offered £10m (footielatest)

In: Jan Vertonghen (Ajax, £10m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Hoffenheim, £8m) Out: Steven Pienaar (Everton, £4.5m) Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow, £5m) Niko Kranjcar (Dynamo Kiev, £2m) Ryan Nelsen (QPR, free)

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West Bromwich Albion

West Brom are monitoring Villarreal's 25-year-old Colombian international defender Cristian Zapata. (Birmingham Mail)

Jonas Olsson has said he is keen to move to London, sparking rumours that he could be leaving West Brom for West Ham. (Express & Star)

In: Ben Foster (Birmingham, undisclosed), Yassine El Ghanassy (AA Gent, loan) Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen, free), Claudio Yacob (Racing Club de Avellaneda) Out: Nicky Shorey (released), Joe Mattock (released), Somen Tchoyi (released), Keith Andrews (Bolton, free), Paul Scharner (released)

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West Ham United

West Ham lead race for Evian striker Yannick Sagbo, who's had approaches from Fulham, Wolfsburg and Marseille. (Sun)

The Hammers are close to bolstering their defensive options with a double deal for Aston Villa's James Collins and former Werder Bremen defender Sebastian Boenisch. (Metro)

Newcastle are no longer the sole runners in the race for FC Twente defender Douglas after Fulham and West Ham also submitted bids. (Sun)

In: Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton, free) Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth, undisclosed) Mohamed Diame (Wigan, free), George McCartney (Sunderland, undisclosed) James Collins (Aston Villa, undisclosed), Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, £5m) Out: Robert Green (QPR, free), Julien Faubert (released), John Carew (released), Abdoulaye Faye (released), Papa Bouba Diop (released), Frank Nouble (released) Ravel Morrison (Birmingham, loan)

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Wigan Athletic

Wigan have approached Arsenal about taking Japanese striker Ryo Miyaichi on loan to fill the void left by Victor Moses who is set to join Chelsea. (Mirror)

Champions League winners Chelsea are preparing a final £7.5m offer for 21-year-old Wigan Athletic winger Victor Moses. (Mail)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks the likely victor in the rush to sign Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis after interest from Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic. (Sun)

In: Fraser Fyvie (Aberdeen, undisclosed) Ivan Ramis (Real Mallorca, undisclosed) Out: Chris Kirkland (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Mohamed Diame (West Ham, free), Hugo Rodallega (Fulham, free), Hendry Thomas (released), Steve Gohouri (released), Jordan Robinson (released)

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