Arsenal Smash Transfer Record With £35m Playmaker Bid

Arsenal has made a bid of 40m Euros - approximately £35m - for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Mario Gotze, according to German publication Kicker.

Arsenal are bidding to strengthen in the final days of the transfer window, and will look to spend the £60m acquired from the sales of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas on Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos, Park Chu-Young, with the remainder earmarked for the 19 year-old Gotze.

However, Borussia Dortmund has reportedly rejected Arsenal's huge offer, which would eclipse their previous transfer record of around £15m spent on Andrei Arshavin.

"We know that Mario is very interesting for teams from Pot 1 [of the UEFA Champions League]," said Dortmund Sporting Director Michael Zorc.

Those of course include Arsenal, but it is difficult to see Arsene Wenger raising his bid beyond the 40m Euros offered already.

Tottenham & Fulham Chasing Sulley Muntari

Tottenham and Fulham are amongst a group of Premier League clubs keen to sign Sulley Muntari from Inter, according to the player’s representative.

The 27-year-old midfielder has a year left to run on his current deal with the Serie A giants but his European representative has revealed he would be keen on a move now, especially to a London outfit.

The former Portsmouth midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland and a return to England could well be on the cards.

"Tottenham and Fulham are several of the Premier League teams that are interested in Muntari,'' Muntari's representative Claudio Mossio told Press Association Sport.

"But right now his destination is not unclear. The situation must be resolved as soon as possible because the transfer market ends tomorrow.

"Muntari wants to play in the Premier League. He really likes that tournament and his family would be very happy in London.''

The Ghana international previously enjoyed a spell under current Tottenham boss during their time together at Portsmouth.

Joe Cole Closing In On Loan At Lille

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole is close to agreeing a season-long loan deal with French club Lille.

Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur was also interested in signing the 29-year-old England international.

Cole moved to Anfield in July 2010 on a four-year deal from Chelsea but made only 11 Premier League starts for the Reds and was sent off on his debut.

Lille is in this season's Champions League after winning their first French league title since 1954.

When Cole signed for Liverpool it was thought to be an astute deal, but he has struggled to recapture his Chelsea form at the Anfield club.

Cole has not even made the bench in Liverpool's first three Premier League games of the season.

Last season he also failed to hold down a place in the team, making only 20 appearances, and 12 in Europe.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has strengthened his midfield over the summer with the additions of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing.

And it is thought that Liverpool would like to get Cole off their wage bill.

Lille has turned to Cole after being rejected by Monaco's South Korea striker Chu Young Park, who is set to complete a move to Arsenal.

The French champions also failed with a bid for Chelsea's failed with a bid for Chelsea's Yossi Benayoun.

Cole fits the bill for the French club with his Champions League experience as they prepare for the competition.

Spurs Eye Shock Owen Move

Skysports.com understands Tottenham is lining up a shock move for former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

Hargreaves is available on a free transfer after being released by United earlier this summer following a series of knee injuries that blighted his time at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old is determined to find himself a new club in the Premier League and even took to YouTube to prove his fitness in a series of videos.

West Brom and Leicester City have both expressed an interest in signing the England international, but Hargreaves has yet to fix himself up with a new club.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is now weighing up a move for the former Bayern Munich man as he looks to bolster his midfield options.

Redknapp is desperate to reinforce his midfield after seeing his options blighted by a series of injuries to key players.

Brazilian Sandro is recovering from a serious knee injury after undergoing surgery, while Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone have both been struggling with injuries this term.

Redknapp's options could be further limited by the possible departures of Wilson Palacios and Luka Modric.

Palacios is on the verge of a move to Stoke, while Modric's future remains shrouded in doubt as he looks to secure a move to Chelsea.

Redknapp is thought to be a big fan of Hargreaves and he could decide to offer the 30-year-old a move to Spurs on a short-term basis if he can prove his fitness, as the Canadian-born midfielder would prove to be a bargain if he can stay fit and recapture the form that helped him win 42 caps for England.

Real Madrid Has Given Fernando Gago The Go-Ahead To Join Roma

Real Madrid has granted Fernando Gago permission to hold talks with Roma over a loan move, agent Ernesto Bronzetti has confirmed.

Bronzetti, who has a host of associations at Madrid, is working to secure a transfer for the Argentine midfielder who is apparently not part of Jose Mourinho's plans.

An earlier move to Boca Juniors fell through, leaving Roma with room to manouevre.

And there is optimism an agreement between the clubs can be reached over a loan with a purchase option set at €6 million (£5.3m).

"I have spoken with Real Madrid directors and they have given the transfer the go-ahead," Bronzetti told Tele Radio Stereo.

"I have been asked to assist in this transfer and now Roma look like they are in a position to close a deal.

"Gago and his agent are still in Madrid, and Real Madrid know the only way is a loan.

"There is also an option to buy for €6m."

Gago joined Real Madrid from Boca Juniors in January 2007, but has been struggling to secure regular first-team action in the past two seasons.

Aliaksandr Hleb Set For Wolfsburg Switch

Wolfsburg is closing in on the signing of Barcelona attacker Aliaksandr Hleb, according to reports from Germany.

After struggling to earn regular playing time in Spain, the Belarussian has spent loan spells at Stuttgart and Birmingham City, and, according to Kicker, is now on the verge of returning to Germany to play under Felix Magath. Having agreed to personal terms, he is reportedly in Lower Saxony to undergo a medical check.

With his contract set to expire next summer, Barca is reportedly willing to release Hleb for €1.5 million rather than watch him leave on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old Hleb is no stranger to the Bundesliga, having played at Stuttgart from 2000 to 2005 before his loan spell in Swabia for the 2009-10 season. In April he expressed his desire to return to the Bundesliga, and now he appears to have had his wish granted.

Valencia Secure Ruiz Deal

Valencia has secured the signing of Victor Ruiz from Napoli, just months after the defender joined the Italian club.

Ruiz linked up with Napoli on a long-term contract from Espanyol in the January transfer window, but has now returned to Spain.

He has signed a five-year deal with Valencia and will undergo a medical on Tuesday before being presented as the club's new signing.

Valencia technical secretary Braulio Vazquez believes the acquisition of Ruiz, who helped Spain win the European Under 21 Championship earlier this summer, will prove to be "an important step forward" for Los Che.

He told the club's official website: "[Ruiz is] of the highest level in Europe. He has great technique, positional sense and strength.

"He will help to complement our existing defence and offer something different to our squad.

"He is a player with a big future ahead of him, and will definitely shine in the present.

"We are proud to have him here, and to have reached an agreement for his signature after a difficult negotiation process, because Napoli valued him very highly.

"I think that with Victor on board, we have taken an important step forward."

CSKA Moscow Target Man United Keeper

CSKA Moscow has lined up Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak as a replacement for Igor Akinfeev.

Current number one Akinfeev could be out for up to six months with a knee injury and he is set for more scans on the problem.

The initial fears, though, are that the injury is serious and CSKA have drawn up a list of possible replacements should Akinfeev - once linked to United before David De Gea joined - miss a significant portion of the season.

Kuszczak is the club's favoured target if Akinfeev is out long-term and United are willing to sanction a deal.

The club has been keen to shift the Polish goalkeeper all summer but have failed to find a buyer. With De Gea the first choice and Anders Lindegaard battling him to be number one, Kuszczak does not appear to have a future at Old Trafford.

Kuszczak, 29, said earlier this summer he needs first team football and he would be given just that if CSKA press ahead with their move.

Michael Bradley Completes Move To Chievo

Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Michael Bradley has completed a move to Serie A side Chievo, his agent announced via Twitter on Tuesday.

"I am happy to report that Michael Bradley has signed with Chievo of the Italian Serie A," agent Ron Waxman said.

Goal.com was the first to report earlier this month that a move to Italy would be in the US international's future in the days leading to the transfer deadline on August 31. Terms of the transfer deal were not disclosed.

Bradley's representative in Italy, Paolo Alberto Faccini, revealed to Goal.com that fellow Italian clubs Napoli and Roma were also interested in the player.

The move represents a fresh start for Bradley, who fell out of favour at Gladbach last year before an unsuccessful loan stint at Aston Villa. After his return to Germany this summer, it was clear Bradley was not in coach Lucien Favre's plans despite being contracted for one more year.

Bradley was also left off of Jurgen Klinsmann's latest squad for the upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Belguim. The new USA coach, who replaced Bradley's father following the Gold Cup, has said he will only call up players who consistently get minutes with their club teams.

The 24-year-old New Jersey native began his professional career at 16 in Major League Soccer with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. He went on to play for Heerenveen in the Netherlands before making his way Gladbach.

Last season Chievo finished in 11th place in Serie A with 47 points. The club begin their new league season at home to newly promoted Novara on September 10, having seen their original opener postponed due to the current Italian players' strike.

Gers Plan Murphy Move

Skysports.com understands Rangers are to push ahead with a move for Arsenal starlet Rhys Murphy following an impressive trial.

The 20-year-old striker linked up with the Glasgow giants at the start of August in the hope of earning a permanent stay.

He has already spent time on trial at Middlesbrough since the 2010/11 campaign came to a close and is keen to put down roots.

Murphy is a product of the renowned Academy system at Emirates Stadium, having been on their books since 2004.

He has caught the eye in the Gunners' youth teams and gained senior experience during a loan spell at Brentford in 2009.

It is understood that Rangers are now preparing to offer him an opportunity to shine in the Scottish Premier League, with Ally McCoist keen to bring the youngster on board.

Heerenveen Snap Up Van la Parra

Heerenveen has completed the signing of Dutch winger Rajiv van la Parra on a free transfer after his contract at French side Caen expired.

The 20-year-old, a product of the Feyenoord youth academy, departed Holland for France in 2008 but failed to make an impact in Ligue 1, featuring mostly off the bench.

Van la Parra's deal at the Stade Michel d'Ornano ran out at the end of last season and Heerenveenhave secured his signature to fill the void left by Roy Beerens, who joined Dutch rivals AZ Alkmaar earlier this summer.

Technical director Johan Hansma told the club's official website: "We are very happy to sign such a talented player as Rajiv at Heerenveen.

"After the departure of Roy Beerens we were looking for a new winger who would fit perfectly with players such as Oussama Assaidi, Luciano Narsingh and Quenten Martinus.

"With Van la Parra we have doubled our options on the wing."

Arsenal Ready To Hijack Tottenham Move For Brazilian Star

Arsenal is lining up a bid for Internacional striker Leandro Damiao who has been a target for arch-rivals Tottenham.

The Brazilian has been watched by Spurs on several occasions who have been harbouring an ambition to bring him to England but with comings and going having been thin on the ground at White Hart Lane this summer, manager Harry Redknapp has been unable to free up the space in his squad to accommodate the hitman. Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios have been heavily linked with moves to Stoke City while Chelsea's interest in Luka Modric is well-documented but with none of those deals having been completed, Redknapp has precious little room for manoeuvre despite a £9m bid having been mooted.

This has left the door open for Arsenal who are desperate to add numbers to their squad. While the attacking department would not - on the surface - appear to be a priority for the Gunners, their lack of goals so far this season has been a cause for concern. Manager Arsene Wenger brought in Marouane Chamakh last summer to provide an added threat and a muscular presence up front but the Morocco international has disappointed.

Damiao is a strapping 21-year-old who at 6 feet 2 inches is not your classic Brazilian forward. He would provide the aerial option that Wenger previously shunned but has come to realize is a necessary evil in order to compete with the likes of Stoke and Bolton and is now ready to make an approach for the player before the transfer window closes on Wednesday night especially after witnessing his side's crushing 8-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

Newcastle Lead Chase For Inter Milan Star

Newcastle is in talks with Inter Milan star Davide Santon according to the player’s agent Claudio Vigorelli.

The 20-year-old defender is also being tracked by Roma, but that move looks to have been scuppered as Vigorelli revealed a move to Newcastle is now the aim.

Toon boss Alan Pardew is facing a race against time to bring in reinforcements for his depleted squad, and a deal to replace Jose Enrique would signal a step in the right direction.

Vigorelli told the Corriere dello Sport: "At this time, there is no possibility that Santon can join Roma because right now the aim is Newcastle."

Spanish Giants To Swoop For Fulham Star

Clint Dempsey could be headed for Spain, with Sevilla having made an approach to sign the American midfielder, according to SkySports.

The Spanish club is believed to have offered around £8m for Dempsey, who is also being tracked by Paris St Germain and Aston Villa.

The American is apparently keen on the move, and is excited by the challenge of playing at a higher level, even though Sevilla have already been knocked out of the Europa League this season.

28 year old Dempsey has been an integral part of Fulham's team over the past few years, but manager Martin Jol could be tempted to sell in order to give him the funds to strengthen his squad elsewhere.

Dempsey scored what could be his last goal for the club during the team's 2-1 away defeat to Newcastle at the weekend.

Gunners Keen On Yossi

Sky Sports Sources understand Arsenal have made an enquiry for Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

Benayoun is expected to leave Chelsea before the close of the transfer window after falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

The Israeli international fuelled talk of a move away from Chelsea after handing over his No.10 shirt to new signing Juan Mata.

Benayoun has failed to establish himself at Chelsea since arriving from Liverpool last summer making only 10 appearances following a serious Achilles injury.

The 31-year-old has only made one brief substitute appearance this season as it appears he does not figure in Andre Villas-Boas' long-term plans.

Benayoun, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham as part of any deal for Luka Modric, has admitted on Twitter that he could be on the move and that he was speaking to several other clubs.

Arsenal could now be one of the clubs interested in Benayoun with Arsene Wenger desperate to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window.

Wenger is in the need of midfield reinforcements after losing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and Benayoun could help bring some guile to Arsenal's midfield if he steps up his interest in the former West Ham and Liverpool man.

Malaga Plan Shock £20m Bid For Chelsea Flop Fernando Torres

Atletico Madrid and Malaga are keeping tabs on Chelsea FC flop Fernando Torres with a view to making a bid either before the close of the transfer window on Wednesday or a cut price deal in January.

Torres, who is a Roman Abramovich signing has failed to impress since his arrival from Liverpool last January in a whopping £50m move and it is clear the Russian owner is becoming frustrated with the 27 year old he brought on board to help the side under the managerial guidance of Carlo Ancelotti.

Whilst it is believed the signing of Juan Mata may give Torres the required ball needed to find the net on more occasions, Torres has had ample chances without Mata playing and has so far shown that he is no longer the player he once was.

Whilst Spanish sides Malaga, and his original club Atletico Madrid are only enquiring at this stage they will expect to pay much less than the £50m Chelsea paid last January and would be looking to pay no more than £20m for a striker who scores only once per thirty attempts on goal.

Barcelona Make Offer For Ruiz

Saprissa's teenage striker John Jairo Ruiz is the latest young Costa Rican to attract interest from Europe as his agent claims Barcelona have made an offer for him.

Ruiz, 17, starred at the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia and now looks set to join Arsenal's Joel Campbell in moving to the continent following his performances in the tournament.

"Barcelona has tabled a good offer for John. It's now up to Saprissa to decide whether it's good enough for them," agent Ricardo Cabanas was quoted as saying by La Nacion.

"We were obviously very happy when we heard about this. Joining Barcelona is a dream for any player, so we are very excited. It is important that John gets good advice on this matter."

Lille Weighing Up Move For Chelsea Striker

Lille is preparing a bid for Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou.

Andre Villas-Boas is willing to let the Ivorian leave Stamford Bridge following the arrival of promising young striker Romelu Lukaku.

Kalou has failed to start regularly at Chelsea following his move from Feyenoord in 2006 and is ready to move clubs to kick-start his career.

Arsenal has been keen on him in the past but there’s currently no interest from Chelsea’s London rivals, with Lille the favourites to land him.

The French club lost Gervinho to Arsenal earlier this summer, while they have also missed out on signing Park Chu-Young to Arsene Wenger.

Lille is eager to add some power up front after losing out on Park, with Kalou their main target.

Discussions are at any early stage but Lille is confident the £10m they banked from the Gervinho sale can be used in funding the squad’s overhaul.

According to sources in France, Lille is also keen on Kalou’s team-mate Yossi Benayoun, who has confirmed he will leave Chelsea this summer.

Forlan Leaves Atletico To Join Inter Milan

Diego Forlan is joining Inter Milan after Atletico Madrid agreed to sell the Uruguay striker to the Serie A club.

Forlan, who will fill the vacant striker spot left after Samuel Eto'o's departure for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, announced his departure from Atletico at a news conference Monday at the club's Vicente Calderon stadium.

"It's not everyday you get the chance to play for Inter Milan at 32. Let's hope I can meet expectations,'' Forlan said. "It's a great club with great players fighting for major trophies. I hope to adapt quickly.''

Financial terms of the deal were not announced. Forlan will not be allowed to take part in Champions League play for Inter unless it reaches the knockout stages since he already featured for Atletico in Europa League qualifying this summer.

Forlan, who was named best player at last year's World Cup in South Africa after Uruguay reached the semifinals, spent four seasons at Atletico and helped it to the 2010 European Supercup and scored both goals in the 2-1 Europa League final victory.

"Some moments weren't great but the majority of years here have been spectacular,'' said Forlan, who spent the latter half of his last season out of the starting lineup due to problems with then-coach Quique Sanchez Flores. "But I'm happy with the decision I've taken because life goes on, players come and go and you have to accept that.

"I achieved the objectives we had set out. It was an enormous pleasure to win the titles we did here.''

The former Manchester United and Villarreal striker had two years remaining on his Atletico deal with reports suggesting he has agreed to a two-year deal with the Italian club.

"I go to another great club where I like the project and the expectations they have,'' Forlan said.”But these past four years remain a good memory.''

Forlan scored 96 goals in 198 appearances for Atletico, which he also guided to the Copa del Rey final in 2010. Forlan won the Golden Boot award as Europe's top goalscorer twice.

Atletico paid FC Porto 40 million euros ($58 million) for Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, who arrives with high expectations following the departures of the club's fearsome strike partnership of Forlan and Sergio Aguero, who joined Manchester City.

Wolfsburg Snap Up Jonsson

Wolfsburg have made Swedish striker Rasmus Jonsson their 11th new arrival this summer after signing him for an undisclosed fee from Helsingborg.

Jonsson, 21, signed a four-year deal before joining up with the Sweden Under-21 national team for their European qualifiers against Lithuania.

''I am delighted to have signed a highly-talented forward,'' said Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath, who has now made enough new signings to form a brand new team since he arrived at the club in the spring. Rasmus Jonsson can both score and create goals and he will help us.''

Before leaving for international duty, Jonsson spoke of his delight at joining the 2009 Bundesliga champions.

''I am very happy - this transfer is a big step in my career,'' he said. ''The Bundesliga is one of the biggest leagues in Europe and Wolfsburg is one of the biggest clubs in Germany.

''My aim is to be successful with the team and also to improve myself as a player. I will work hard to find my place in the team.''

Jonsson's arrival could pave the way for the departure of former Germany international Patrick Helmes, who has been attracting interest from clubs both in Germany and abroad.

Leandro Damiao, Gueida Fofana & Marc Bartra All On Spurs Radar

Leandro Damiao is back in Spurs' transfer plans and Harry Redknapp is also lining up bids for Marc Bartra of Barcelona and Le Havre's Gueida Fofana.

Tottenham were keen to land Brazil striker Damiao in June, but the 22-year-old opted to sign a contract extension with Internacional.

That pushed the Brazilian club's asking price up from £12million to £18million and forced Spurs into a rethink.

But with Peter Crouch set to join Stoke City, Redknapp has persuaded chairman Daniel Levy to make a new offer close to Internacional's valuation, reports the Sunday Times.

Should they get their man, Tottenham fans can look forward to seeing a new-look strikeforce of Damiao and Emmanuel Adebayor from next month.

Spurs are also ready to make a £6.7million offer for 20-year-old Bartra, who is on the fringes of the Barcelona first-team squad.

The European champions are willing to let the Spain Under-21s centre-back leave, but their desire to insert a buyback clause into the deal could be a stumbling block.

Fofana is a 20-year-old midfielder who is regarded as one of the rising stars of French football after playing for his country at this summer's Under-20 World Cup.

Le Havre have put a £1.2million price tag on Fofana, who is also a target for Manchester City.

Man United To Tempt Everton With £10m Plus Two Player Swap Offer For Jack Rodwell

Sir Alex Ferguson is considering one last summer transfer swoop as he looks to snap up a long term target. The Old Trafford boss may look to take advantage of the financial uncertainty at Everton by offering David Moyes a tempting deal for English youngster Jack Rodwell.

Ferguson will reportedly offer Everton around £10m in cash as well as midfielder Darron Gibson and striker Mame Biram Diouf in exchange for the promising England Under 21 international.

Though the Man United boss has seen youngsters Tom Clevereley and Danny Welbeck move seamlessly into first team action he is still keen to add some steel to the centre of his midfield and sees the potential that 20 year old Rodwell has to offer and is keen to snap up a player he has tracked for a number of years.

Rodwell may be a player that David Moyes is willing to sell ahead of more crucial players in his armoury, such as the likes of Mikel Arteta, Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jagielka, all of whom have been strongly linked with exits this summer. Clearly Man United have in the past snapped up young Toffees talent, as with Wayne Rooney, and Ferguson will hope he can make Rodwell his fourth signing of the summer.

Spurs Close In On Parker Deal

Tottenham are poised to wrap up the signing of England midfielder Scott Parker.

The 30-year-old was not included in the West Ham squad which travelled to Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon as the deal, believed to be worth £6million, neared a conclusion.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce told Sky Sports: "There are some negotiations going on and I don't think he would be mentally right to play. It will come to fruition in the next 24 hours or so."

Tottenham are expected to include a loan deal for one of their youngsters in the package.

Parker, who joined the Hammers from Newcastle for £7million in 2007, was named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year last season despite the club finishing bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

Anzhi To Make £62m Offer To Sign Man United Star

Big spending Anzhi are willing to pay a total of £62m to land Serbian centre back Nemanja Vidic, £25m to Man United for the player and £37m in wages over a four year period. Sir Alex Ferguson will be loathed to consider such an offer but perhaps the Old Trafford defender will be tempted by the huge pay hike he could get by returning to a league he knows very well from his two years at Spartak Moscow.

Anzhi Makhachkala seems to have limitless wealth, having brought the likes of Roberto Carlos, Yuri Zhirkov, and most recently Samuel Eto’o to the Dagestan based club. Indeed the Cameroon international is said to be the highest paid sportsman on Planet Earth following his move from Inter Milan to the club earlier in the month.

Vidic has been a hugely important servant to Man United since his move to the club in 2006 and has notched up over 200 appearances since his move to the Premier League side, Ferguson is unlikely to consider such a sale, even though he has youngsters Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, England Under 21 team-mates, to call upon as a regular starting pairing for the long term.

Rio Ferdinand is back from injury and there is also Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans as potential back-up though captain Vidic would still be seen as the most solid defender at the club and any possible move to Russia would only be considered if the determined skipper considered the offer to tempting to turn down.

Kjaer's Roma Move Put On Hold

Simon Kjaer's loan move to Serie A giants Roma has been put on hold after reports in Italy claim the defender has been recalled by his club Wolfsburg.

The Denmark International, who joined the Bundeliga club last season, has been in erratic form so far this season, with head coach Felix Magath bringing in Greek Sotiris Kyrgiakos from Liverpool earlier in the week as a likely replacement for the player.

But, after Kjaer spent two days in the Italian capital undergoing a medical and all set to officially sign a deal, it seems as though discussions between the clubs have hit a snag.

Although Magath confirmed the former Palermo star was heading to the Giallorossi, speculation in Italy suggests Roma's surprise exit from the Europa League at the hands of Slovan Bratislava meant club officials wanted to alter the agreement for the centre-back.

The Italians were hoping to bring the player in on loan terms with the prospect of a permanent switch for the 22-year-old the likely outcome.

However, Roma's disappointing exit from the competition somewhat changed matters although AS Roma's CEO Claudio Fenucci told Adnkronos: "We had a deal with Wolfsburg for Simon Kjaer for a loan with the right of a permanent switch, but then the conditions have changed and so we decided not to ratify the agreement.

"Roma's sporting director, Walter Sabatini will consider the player an option, but only if Wolfsburg come back on our terms and conditions. Then we will be ready to continue and close the deal."

Juve Face Estigarribia Delays

There have been unexpected delays in Juventus completing the signature of Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia.

The Paraguayan international flew in for his medical after the club agreed terms with Newell’s Old Boys.

However, Sportmediaset points out the winger has still not put pen to paper on the contract.

The problem appears to regard red tape as, like many South American players, he is owned by both the club and an investment group.

Considering there is a break for international duty coming up, there are fears Antonio Conte won’t be able to work with Estigarribia for at least another 10 days.

Turks Intercept Juve's Elia Deal

Juventus are pushing to sign Eljero Elia from Hamburg, but face sudden €9m competition from Galatasaray.

The Dutchman is their primary transfer target for the role of winger in Antonio Conte’s 4-2-4 system.

It was reported by all the Italian sports papers this morning that an agreement with Hamburg for Elia was effectively in place.

However, German newspaper Sport Bild claims Galatasaray have dived in with a bid worth €9m to pip them to the post.

Juve are hoping to use Amauri as bait to turn the transfer in their favour, offering the striker in part-exchange to Hamburg.

Udinese Discover Pereyra

Udinese have reportedly snapped up River Plate’s teenage talent Roberto Pereyra, who could be the new Alexis Sanchez.

The Friulani have made their fortune by scouring the South American market for young prospects and then turning them into stars.

There are rumours their latest discovery is 19-year-old River Plate creative midfielder Pereyra.

He can play both in a deeper role and as trequartista behind the strikers, having featured recently for Argentina in the Under-20 World Cup.

He is believed to have cost Udinese around €5m.

Palermo Confirm Vazquez Deal

Palermo have confirmed a deal for Belgrano’s Franco Vazquez to arrive in January, while Fabrizio Miccoli “will definitely stay.”

There were reports the Rosanero were going to bring in creative midfielder Vazquez this summer, but the 22-year-old will wait until the end of Argentina’s Apertura season.

“We wanted to sign him now, as we consider him a player who can make the difference,” director of sport Sean Sogliano told Il Giornale di Sicilia.

“Both Belgrano and the player pushed to put back the transfer until January. We decided to accept, because we believe so much in the qualities of this player.

“It would be a mistake for Palermo to abandon the whole thing by not accepting the delay until January.”

This weekend captain Miccoli declared he was ready to leave if he would only be used for the final 20 minutes of games.

“Miccoli will definitely stay and the fans need to relax,” insisted Sogliano. “He said nothing wrong, as obviously all players want time on the field. Fabrizio is a reference point for this team.”

Recommendations for Barclays Premier League Matches (28 August 2011)

Tottenham Hotspur (20th) vs Manchester City (1st)

Luka Modric looks set to make his first Tottenham appearance of the season after taking part in full training on Friday. The Croatian has been carrying what has been diagnosed as a minor hamstring complaint but should be fit, along with Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton, who have recovered from recent Achilles and knee injuries respectively. William Gallas (calf), Steven Pienaar (groin), Ledley King, Wilson Palacios and Sandro (all knee) miss out while loan signing Emmanuel Adebayor is unavailable to play against his parent club.

New signing Samir Nasri could make his Manchester City debut in Sunday's Barclays Premier League match at Tottenham. Midfielder Nigel de Jong is out with a foot problem but manager Roberto Mancini has no other injury concerns. Carlos Tevez could also feature but is again likely to be on the bench due to a lack of match sharpness.

Harry Redknapp's men will be hopeful of a result as they are unbeaten at White Hart Lane in their last 17 league games. Spurs have triumphed on 31 occasions when City have come visiting for a league clash. The visitors have won 14 times, while 17 other matches have ended in a draw. Manchester City have won only one of their last six games against Tottenham. In their last four matches, though, they have scored only one goal against Spurs. Even that was an own goal from Peter Crouch last season, which saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. However, if Mancini continues to play with two strikers in an away tie, I believe his positive attacking tactics will be good enough to get a positive result out of this tie. Expect Man City to win this tie.

Manchester United (2nd) vs Arsenal (14th)

Darren Fletcher will return to Manchester United's squad for Sunday's Barclays Premier League showdown with Arsenal. The Scotland skipper has struggled to shake off the effects of a virus he was struck down by in March but, after coming through his second 90-minute reserve-team outing last night against Swansea, has been drafted into manager Sir Alex Ferguson's plans. Rio Ferdinand (hamstring) and Antonio Valencia (ankle) have been training, but Nemanja Vidic (calf) and Rafael (shoulder) are definitely out.

Arsenal trio Alex Song, Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong are suspended for the match. Jack Wilshere saw a specialist but the club are still waiting for an update on his ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for three more weeks. Nicklas Bendtner is sidelined with an ankle problem and Sebastien Squillaci is also out, along with Kieran Gibbs (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (ankle). Defender Thomas Vermaelen will have a fitness test but is expected to be fit and Laurent Koscielny came through a similar check on his back problem on Friday morning.

Manchester United will look to extend their undefeated home record at Old Trafford, which stretches back to April 2010 when they were beaten by Chelsea. Last weekend, during their respective games against Tottenham and Liverpool, the clubs fielded sides with an average age of 23, which were amongst the youngest in the Premier League this season. Arsenal claimed victory the last time the two sides came face to face, when they defeated the Red Devils as a result of a second half goal from Aaron Ramsey at the Emirates. The Gunners have failed to score on their previous two visits to Old Trafford, in the Premier League and FA Cup, while they have also not claimed all three points since a late Emmanuel Adebayor strike sealed victory for Wenger’s side in September 2006. Arsenal is still looking for replacement in their midfield after losing Nasri and Fabregas. I believe the midfield area will be dominated by Man Utd and with Rooney on form, Arsenal will find it difficult to get a point in this game. Man Utd to stay undefeated at Old Trafford, to win this game, 2-0 or 2-1.

West Bromwich Albion (18th) vs Stoke City (11th)

West Brom coach Roy Hodgson is considering whether to give a first start of the season to striker Peter Odemwingie in Sunday's home Barclays Premier League match with Stoke. The Nigeria international, Albion's top scorer with 15 goals last term, has recovered from an ankle injury suffered in pre-season and came on as a substitute during last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea. Midfielder Zoltan Gera is the only player currently sidelined as he builds up his fitness after ankle surgery.

Stoke have influential duo Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington back for the encounter. The pair return to the Potters squad having both been suspended for last night's Europa League play-off victory over FC Thun. Manager Tony Pulis withdrew Jermaine Pennant in the second half of that match as a precaution and hopes the winger will be fit to face the Baggies, while Rory Delap will also be assessed for a hamstring problem.

Stoke City is undefeated in the last 9 meetings between the clubs. The last 4 matches at the Hawthornes saw Stoke City winning 3 and drawing 1. Stoke City was also impressive in their European tie, having beaten FC Thun to qualify to the next round. Despite their impressive record, I feel their European journey may have been a game too many and would give West Brom an edge on this one. I predict West Brom not to lose this game, and would win this one by 1 goal.

Match Report: Barcelona 2 - 0 Porto

Lionel Messi's goal late in the first half and Cesc Fabregas' slick volley gave Barcelona a 12th title under Pep Guardiola and a second already in 2011-12 as the Catalan outfit beat Porto in the Uefa Super Cup in Monaco on Friday evening.

Messi, named European Player of the Year at Uefa's Champions League draw on Thursday, netted in the only competition in which he had previously failed to score after he latched on to Fredy Guarin's shocking pass-back six minutes before the interval. Fabregas then collected a pass from the attacker to control and lash into the roof of the net.

Europa League holders Porto started brightly against the Champions League winners, with Hulk a lively presence up front. Aided by the busy Guarin, Porto rattled their illustrious opponents in the opening exchanges and Moutinho's drive on the bounce tested Victor Valdes, while Hulk was off target with a low drive.

Porto were pushing up and pressing Barca, playing the Catalans at their own game, and every time Pep Guardiola's side ventured forward, they were caught out by their rivals' offside trap.

But it doesn't take long for Barca to figure out their rivals and Guardiola's men began to enjoy more of the possession as the game wore on.

Messi, who had started quietly and looked uncomfortable at times, almost set up David Villa following a fantastic run and pass through the heart of the Porto defence, but Romanian full-back Cristian Sapunaru got a vital touch and Helton came charging of his line to gather.

Xavi then came close with a fierce drive from the edge of the box, put Helton pushed the ball over the crossbar.

Barca were growing in stature, though, and soon took the lead as Guarin inexplicably played a back-pass into his area where Messi, who would have been offside had the ball been sent through by a team-mate, was waiting all alone to pounce, leaving Helton grounded with a glorious feint and slotted into the empty net.

After the break, Villa shot straight at Helton and Pedro was denied by the Brazilian keeper as he raced through on his own. Porto had a penalty shout turned down when Eric Abidal clattered into Guarin after losing control of the ball in the area, but the referee waved play on.

Barca was the better side, however, and continued to attack.

That pressure brought another rash challenge from Rolando, already booked, who then saw red after a cynical foul on Messi.

And the Catalans took quick advantage as Messi turned provider for Fabregas, who chested down the pinpoint cross and volleyed past Helton to register in some style. Guarin's late lunge on Mascherano, leaving the referee no choice but to send him off, concluded a miserable evening for the Portuguese.

It could have been three after that, but Barca were comfortable in the end as they lifted a 12th title under Guardiola - and two in two games for Fabregas.

Chelsea To Bid For Portuguese Midfield Ace

Chelsea manager Andres Vilas-Boas is to return to his former club Porto with a bid for Joao Moutinho, as he tries to bring some midfield creativity in for his new club, the Daily Mail reports.

The Blues' move for Luka Modric has lost momentum in the past week, with Spurs maintaining the tough stance they have employed over the sale of their star player all summer.

This has led the Chelsea boss to look elsewhere to bring in the midfield spark he craves, and knows Moutinho well from his time coaching him at Porto.

However any potential move could be complicated by the player's economic rights being owned by a third party, and with little time left in the current transfer window, Chelsea would have to move fast for the player.

Moutinho was a key part of Vilas-Boas' Porto side who won three trophies last season, including the UEFA Europa League.