Roma Set To Make €6 Million Offer For Maarten Stekelenburg

Roma is ready to make Ajax an offer for goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and will use his reluctance to sign a new contract as leverage.

Sky Sport Italia reports Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini is expected to meet Ajax officials to thrash out a deal for the 28-year-old on Thursday.

Sabatini will offer the Eredivisie club around €6 million for the transfer. Ajax are said to be expecting more, but the goalkeeper has refused to commit himself after failing to sign a new deal.

His current contract expires in June 2012, meaning the Dutch outfit could lose him on a free deal as soon as January. Roma will try to use this in their favour to reach an agreement.

Previous reports suggested the potential arrival of Carlos Kameni from Espanyol saw Italian interest in Stekelenburg dry up, but it now seems Roma are still eager to land him.

On Monday Ajax coach Frank de Boer said he wanted clarity from his shot-stopper regarding his future at the club.

Arsenal In Talks To Complete Shock £22m Superstar Signing

Sources in both Bavaria and London are suggesting that Arsenal are in advanced talks with Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery in a move that could cost the North London club £22m.

The Bundesliga giants are looking to offload the France international this summer after what has been a frustrating year for the club and player with Bayern not winning the Bundesliga and 28 year old Ribery once again injured for most of the season.

The club is also looking to freshen the side up and also fear that Ribery’s history – issues with an underage prostitute – it will be best to cut their losses. The Frenchman has always been keen to join up with Arsene Wenger but it will take a brave man to purchase a player who can be so prone to injury.

The price had always seemed the biggest barrier for Arsenal but with Munich looking to cut their losses, the price that was quoted last year – anything from £40m to £70m – is a thing of the past.

There had been talk earlier in the year of a possible swap deal involving Andrei Arshavin which could still be on the cards although sources claim the only big player that could be sold this summer will be that of the Emirates captain.

Villarreal Offer €12m For Gilardino

It’s reported Villarreal have contacted Fiorentina with a €12m offer for hitman Alberto Gilardino.

This is not the first time the striker has been linked with a move to Spain, but the claims are intensifying.

The rumour has it that Gila’s agent, Beppe Bozzo, is flying out to Spain today for negotiations with Villarreal.

The ‘Yellow Submarine’ have offered €12m for the Italy international, plus a contract worth €3m per season.

Gilardino has steadfastly refused to pledge his future to Fiorentina, who have missed out on Europe for the second year running.

However, the Viola has set a price-tag of at least €18m on the hitman.

Arsenal Will Use Players Plus Cash To Tempt Gary Cahill

Arsenal is considering using Ignasi Miquel and Henri Lansbury as bait to tempt Bolton to sell Gary Cahill, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Arsene Wenger is looking at a range of prospects since confirming the signing of Lille striker Gervinho this week, and Cahill, who is rated at £17m, is reportedly a top priority for the club.

Arsenal look set to build on their defence over the summer, and Cahill has been a star since moving to Blackburn in 2008.

Owen Coyle is reportedly interested in taking Miquel and Lansbury on loan next season, and Arsenal are hoping to use this, along with cash to bring the fee up to the £17 million, to tempt the club into making a deal for their star man to move to the Emirates.

Arsenal are also reportedly hopeful of securing Juan Mata this summer, along with Chris Samba, as the squad looks to end their six-season-long trophy-less run.

Sevilla's Martin Caceres Linked With Juventus Return

Juventus are considering making a move for Sevilla full-back Martin Caceres. The 24-year-old Uruguay international, who is currently at the Copa America, was on loan at Juventus during the 2009-10 campaign before he moved back to Barcelona.

Sevilla signed Caceres permanently from the Camp Nou side in June after he impressed them while on loan last term.

But Marca.com reports his career at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan could end soon as Juventus want him back.

Juve coach Antonio Conte is eager to bolster his defence ahead of the new campaign and sees Caceres as an ideal player for his project.

However, Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido appears reluctant to sell now after paying just €3 million for the defender from Barcelona.

Coach Marcelino is also reportedly reluctant to lose the former Villarreal ace. Caceres is tied to Sevilla until 2015.

Malaga To Battle Paris Saint-Germaine For Adel Taraabt Signature

Malaga are looking to gazump Paris Saint-Germaine in the hunt to sign QPR captain Adel Taraabt.

The mega-rich duo, who are both backed by Middle Eastern owners, are now set to duke it out for the signature of the £15million-rated Moroccan playmaker.

Taraabt has refused to rule out a move away from Loftus Road, and seeing as his girlfriend and family are still based in France; PSG looked the favourites to land the 22-year-old schemer.

However, Malaga have now thrown their name into the hat, and the chance to play in La Liga could represent an intriguing prospect for Taraabt, who could view the move as a chance to directly showcase his talents to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The former Tottenham youngster firmly believes he should be playing at the highest level, and seeing as Malaga could afford to match PSG’s financial package, the Spaniards may well hold the advantage if they can convince Rangers to sell.

Juventus Ponder Move For Wolfsburg's Simon Kjaer

Juventus are looking at Wolfsburg defender Simon Kjaer as a possible transfer market signing this summer.

As Juve move closer to wrapping up a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Arturo Vidal, Il Corriere dello Sport claims Kjaer has appeared on the radar in Turin.

Antonio Conte is a fan of Kjaer's and it's no secret Juventus have always admired the 22-year-old following his days with Palermo in Serie A.

Kjaer left Italy for Germany last summer, but his maiden season in the Bundesliga was almost disastrous as Wolfsburg narrowly escaped relegation.

The Denmark native was recently linked with a move to Roma, but last month his agent Mikkel Beck said there was "no chance" of his client leaving Wolfsburg.

However, a €10 million cash offer from Juventus could change the stance in Germany.

Kjaer is currently tied to his club until 2014 and made 32 appearances last season.

Real Madrid Eye Le Havre Youngster Gueida Fofana

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on defensive midfielder Gueida Fofana from Ligue 2 side Le Havre, news daily Marca claims.

The France Under-20 international has been strongly linked with a new challenge after establishing himself as a key member of Le Havre, who finished Ligue 2 in ninth place last season.

Lille and Paris Saint-Germaine are both understood to be keen to take Fofana to the top tier of French football, while Premier League duo Aston Villa and Newcastle have also been suggested as possible destinations.

However, Real Madrid's interest could prove to be crucial to decide the future of the player, who will captain his country's Under-20 squad at the upcoming World Cup, in Colombia.

It is reported Real Madrid are lining up a bid for Fofana if they manage to cash in on Lassana Diarra and Fernando Gago, who have both been linked with the exit door.

The Copa del Rey holders have already dipped into the French market this summer, having signed Raphael Varane from Lens.

Jerome Boateng Completes Move From Man City To Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich has completed the signing of Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng on a four-year deal.

The 22-year-old arrived at City from Hamburg in 2010 but failed to win a regular starting place.

The Germany international left City's tour of North America last week to finalize personal terms.

Boateng, whose last game for City was on 2 March in the FA Cup fifth-round victory over Aston Villa, has left for an undisclosed fee.

After training with his new team-mates Boateng was introduced to the media. He said: "I've come here to make the defence more solid.

"It was important to me that Bayern had me marked in for a specific position. I believe it will end up with me playing at centre-back for the national team more often."

After a successful 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Boateng signed a five-year contract with City, but his first season was disrupted by injury and he was limited to 24 appearances.

Boateng was also played at right-back, rather than in his favoured central position, something that will change with his move to Germany.

Bayern's new manager Jupp Heynckes told the club's official website: "I have a very good impression [of Boateng]. He's fitted in with our training program extremely well."

Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger added: "We're delighted we've succeeded in bringing him here. He was utterly determined to come here from the very start."

Roma Sign Highly-Rated Spanish Defender

AS Roma has reached an agreement with Sporting Gijon over the transfer of talented defender Jose Angel.

The left back was a key member of the Spanish Under-21 side that won the European Championships last month, and has been called in to the Giallorossi as cover for John Arne Riise, who recently departed for Fulham.

The Spanish club released a statement on their official website, confirming the move.

It read: “Roma and Sporting Gijon have completed the transfer of Jose Angel to the Italian team. The player has already said goodbye to his team-mates and is on his way to the airport to join his new club in pre-season training.”

Angel was also strongly targeted by European heavyweights Barcelona and Manchester City, however the opportunity to work alongside the former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique in Rome, was enough to get the starlet over the line.

Atletico Signs Young Striker Adrian Lopez

Atletico Madrid reinforced its attack on Tuesday with striker Adrian Lopez a day after the Spanish player won a legal dispute to break with his former club Deportivo La Coruna.

“I am happy to join a great club,” Adrian said. “My goal is to reach the top in all the competitions we participate in.”

Earlier this summer, Adrian won the Golden Boot award as he led Spain to the under-21 European Championship with a tournament-high five goals.

The 23-year-old will possibly have to replace Argentine standout Sergio Aguero, who has said he wants to leave the club.

Deportivo, which was relegated last season, had tried to exercise an option to renew Lopez against his wishes, but a judge ruled in favor of the player.

Atletico will play in the Europa League after finishing in seventh place in La Liga last season.

Wesley Sneijder 'Offered To Man City In Carlos Tevez Transfer Swap'

Inter Milan have reportedly proposed a sensational swap deal with Manchester City that would see Wesley Sneijder exchanged for Carlos Tevez.

The trade would come as a massive blow to City’s neighbours United, who despite recent denials, are still keen on the playmaker and would be devastated to see him move to their title rivals.

Italian sources though, have told Manchester Evening News that Inter are keen on the wantaway Blues forward, and are willing to sacrifice the Dutchman in order to get him.

A swap deal would also likely suit City and Tevez, who are both supposedly eager to avoid a deal with Corinthians.

The Brazilian’s transfer proposal for the striker is beginning to look increasingly complicated, and a straight exchange for a £35million-rated player may prove the more attractive option to the Eastlands outfit.

Tevez was prepared to join Corinthians as a last resort, but a move to Milan would keep him playing at the top level, as well as represent a realistic relocation destination for his family.

Barcelona Close To Winning Race For Alexis Sanchez

Barcelona has seemingly won the race for Alexis Sanchez - a target for Manchester United - after the Catalan giants confirmed they hoped a deal would be concluded soon.

"We are near the end, we have worked with enough patience," said Barca's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

"The player's participation was also important, sometimes delaying the end, but we want Alexis to be here soon."

According to talkSPORT, Barca is set to tie up a deal in the region of £27 million for the Udinese winger, who has been heavily linked with Manchester City, as well as United.

Sir Alex Ferguson has previously been ousted as a fan of the Chilean, with reports suggesting the United boss had been interested in bringing the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

Whether or not United ever made a formal approach for Sanchez remains to be seen but Barca will no doubt regard triumphing in the chase for the youngster as a moral victory.

Should his transfer to the Nou Camp be completed in the coming days, Sanchez could potentially make his debut against United in Washington DC.

United are due to face Barca on July 30 during their pre-season tour of the USA, in what is being hyped as a repeat of May's Champions League final.

Liverpool's French Forward Target 'Will Leave For €8million'

Liverpool target Nolan Roux will be allowed to leave Stade Brest for €8million according to club chairman Michael Guyot.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from a number of clubs in recent months after a series of fine displays in Ligue 1 last season, where he added to his total of 21 goals in 53 appearances for the French outfit.

The France U21 international striker was the subject of a recent €6million bid from Bundesliga side Schalke, who are thought to be Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's main rivals in their bid to capture another long-term transfer target.

Reds director of football Damien Comolli, who is well regarded in France, will likely have a key role to play in the potential move to Anfield, having collated detailed scouting reports on Roux over the past six months.

But Brest are determined to stand firm over their valuation of the player who, if signed by Liverpool will take the club's summer spending past £50million having already captured Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Alexander Doni.

In a recent interview with L'Equipe, Guyot reiterated, "I have had no contact with Nolan Roux, but he will only be allowed to leave for 8million euros.

"He should not have signed his contract if he would not respect it later."

Palermo Close To Selling Playmaker Pastore

Palermo expects to sell their Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore within the next 10 days for a fee of around 50 million euros ($70,120,000), club president Maurizio Zamparini said on Tuesday.

The future of the 22-year-old, who was in Argentina's World Cup squad last year, has been the subject of speculation for weeks.

"Yesterday, I spoke to a big European club and they said they would pay between 45 and 50 million for Pastore," he was quoted as saying by Italian media.

"At this point, I think we can sort out the situation in 10 days."

Pastore shot to prominence in the first half of 2009 when he inspired the Huracan team who surprised everyone by challenging for the Argentine Clausura championship, beating River Plate in the process.

He moved to Palermo in July of that year.

Manchester City Ready To Tempt Daniele De Rossi With £7.9m Wage Deal

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi could be enticed to leave the club and move to Manchester City who are offering him a £7.9 million wage package.

Sky Sport Italia reports City are ready to offer the 27-year-old £4.4m more than his current wages at the Serie A side in order to convince him to leave Italy.

However, Goal.com Italy understands Manchester City's offer will be closer to £5.3m per annum.

De Rossi is considered by coach Luis Enrique as fundamental to his plans, and just last week club president Thomas Di Benedetto said he would do everything to ensure the Italy international was offered a new deal.

No contract offer appears to have arrived since then, and De Rossi's current deal expires next year, adding pressure on his side to move with haste or risk losing him on a free transfer in 2012.

City boss Roberto Mancini is eager to land the Italian and has the money to do it. Roma are not able to match City's spending power and they are unwilling to offer De Rossi anything more than what he currently earns.

De Rossi, however, is seen as heir to captain Francesco Totti, and the Lido di Ostia-born player has always said he would never leave the club, even when Real Madrid were knocking at the door.

Emmanuel Adebayor Subject Of Tottenham Loan Transfer Offer

Tottenham have launched a bid to take Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City, although his colossal wages could prove a stumbling block.

The Eastlands outfit is desperate to offload the unhappy striker, and now that the chances of a transfer to Real Madrid appear to be fading Spurs have wasted no time in making their move.

But with City demanding £14million for the Togo international, Harry Redknapp has proposed a loan move with the option to buy.

That still wouldn’t solve the problem of Adebayor’s £175,000-a-week wages, though, which City are keen to shift to someone else.

However, Spurs would only be prepared to offer the striker in the region of £75,000-a-week.

A solution could be for the north Londoners to pay an initial loan fee, but the Blues would still prefer a straight sale and are likely to hold on until the last minute in order to attract a rival bidder.

Redknapp tried to sign the former Arsenal striker in January, and Adebayor admitted he was tempted by a move to White Hart Lane.

‘Before joining Real Madrid, my first choice was Tottenham,’ said the 27-year-old.

The striker was then racially abused by a section of Spurs fans during their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real in the Bernabeu.

AC Milan Offer Cash Plus Alberto Paloschi For Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo

AC Milan is preparing their next assault on Fiorentina for midfielder Riccardo Montolivo.

The Serie A champions are proposing a cash-plus-player deal which will include the playing rights of striker Alberto Paloschi, according to Tuttosport.

Goal.com previously revealed that Milan's proposal of €6 million plus Antonio Cassano hit a snag and is unlikely to go through.

The report on Tuesday claims that Milan have made an offer of €5.5 m to Fiorentina, in addition to 50 per cent ownership of Paloschi, taking the total amount to around €8 million.

The 21-year-old attacker recently returned to San Siro, after a six-month spell with Genoa. However, the Under-21 international seems to already be on his way out of Milan if their latest bid is accepted by Fiorentina.

The Tuscan outfit are holding out for €10 million for the services of Montolivo, whose contract expires next summer, but Milan do not intend to budge, mainly due to Fiorentina's weak bargaining position, as they risk losing the Italy international for nothing in 2012.

Juventus Target Inter Defender

Juventus have joined the race to sign Inter Milan’s key defender, who is reportedly struggling to agree terms to a new deal with the Nerazzurri.

Manchester City and Chelsea have also held talks with the Milanese club earlier in the summer, over the future of powerful Brazilian defender Lucio.

According to the latest reports from Sky Italia however, the Bianconeri’s general director Beppe Marotta is closely monitoring developments in Milan, as he and the club believe that Lucio could be the perfect partner for Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of defence next season.

With less than one year remaining on his contract at the San Siro, the Brazilian may be tempted to make the controversial switch, in order to receive the pay rise he is after.

Barcelona Confident £35m Bid Will Prompt Fabregas Return This Week

Barcelona is expected to make an offer to Arsenal of around £35m for Cesc Fabregas this week, their third bid of the summer, which it is anticipated will finally prompt the endgame of the long-running transfer saga around the club's captain.

While Arsenal have always maintained a valuation on Fabregas of £40m, the expectation is that the clubs will meet at around £37m and the player will be permitted to leave with Arsène Wenger's blessing. The 24-year-old midfielder has had the agreement of the Arsenal manager that he can go once Barcelona make an offer that is acceptable to the club.

Barcelona's long pursuit of their former academy player has ultimately come down to price this summer. They have had two preliminary offers of £27m and £31m rejected. The £40m benchmark has been maintained by Arsenal throughout the process but, with Barça now so close, it is expected that they will finally accept an offer marginally short of that.

The Arsenal squad will go to Germany on Friday for the squad's pre-season training camp, including a game against Cologne on Saturday, and Fabregas will not expect to be on that trip if negotiations finally come to fruition this week. He missed the tour of the Far East earlier this month with injury. Wenger said on Sunday that the Spaniard was not even back training with the squad.

The club's position on Fabregas is that if an agreement is reached with Barcelona this week then Samir Nasri will be told that he will not be allowed to leave this summer. The France international has an offer in principle from Manchester City for this transfer window but will be able to leave for free in a year's time, potentially an even more lucrative deal.

Another gap opened up in Wenger's squad yesterday when he agreed to let the 23-year-old midfielder Denilson go on loan to Sao Paulo. Outspoken in the past about losing his place in the team, Denilson was completely overshadowed by Jack Wilshere's development last season and made just six starts in the Premier League,

Denilson said: "I will be playing in Brazil next season as I felt that this is a good opportunity for me to play regular first-team football. I move away with sadness because I have so many friends at Arsenal and everyone has always been so supportive towards me."

Arsenal is expected to sign the 19-year-old Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell from Deportivo Saprissa. The club's de facto director of football Dick Law has been in central America to oversee a £900,000 fee for the player.

Gervinho has signed a five-year deal after his £11m signing from Lille this month and will be on the trip to Germany this week. After a summer fighting a battle to keep their key players at the club, Gervinho's arrival yesterday was some respite from the concerns about the futures of Fabregas and Nasri.

The striker said that working with Wenger was a key part of his decision to come to the club. "When you are young, you always want to improve, to work with great managers – and Arsène Wenger is one of the best in the world," he said.

"I think that, with him, I will become a much better player, and he was very important in my choice to sign here. I came here because I believe that he can improve my game and help me reach another level, but the most important thing for me is that I bring a lot to the team for whom I am playing.

"I want to use my time here at Arsenal to develop my strengths. I know English football is harder and I might need a bit of time at the start, but ultimately it is down to me to raise my game and adapt."

Man City Will Bid For Romelu Lukaku With £18m Offer

Manchester City are upping the ante in the chase for Romelu Lukaku, by reportedly tabling a £18million bid for the Anderlecht forward.

Just days after Arsenal supposedly met with the teenager’s agent, City have now thrown their name in the hat along with Chelsea, who are the only other club believed to have made a concrete offer.

With Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor set to leave Eastlands this summer, Roberto Mancini is already working on recruiting potential replacements, and Lukaku has been identified as a main target.

Inter Milan and newly-rich Paris Saint Germain are also in the hunt, but the 18-year-old’s next destination looks increasingly likely to be the Premier League considering the level of interest.

The striker though, remains unfazed by the attention surrounding him, and after scoring a hat-trick in Anderlecht’s recent friendly against FC Brussels, played down speculation surrounding his future.

‘I’m keeping a cool head,’ said Lukaku.

‘Normally I train and I play my game. If I thought too much or if I was holding back, it would be the best way to hurt me.’

Guangzhou Evergrande In Audacious Bid To Sign Park Ji-Sung

Big-spending Chinese leaders Guangzhou Evergrande have reportedly made an incredible approach for Manchester United's Korean superstar Park Ji-Sung, and have offered to double his current packet.

The 30-year-old midfielder is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the 2011-12 season, thus creating plenty of speculation over his future, and according to Chinese media, Guangzhou will table Park a contract worth €8 million per season to tempt him to China.

A fortnight ago, Guangzhou signed Argentine midfielder Dario Conca in a deal which allegedly made him the world's third highest-paid player behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now Guangzhou, who is owned by wealthy Chinese real estate group Evergrande, have set their sights on luring Park.

"Club owner Xu Jiayin said he will do whatever is necessary to bring Park to the team," Guangzhou boss Lee Jang-Soo told The Beijing Times.

"However a deal has so far failed to materialize, because Park was determined to stay put at his current club."

Park had told the Sunday Mirror at the weekend that he had no reason to leave Manchester United.

He said: "There's no truth at all that I would leave United - I want to stay here and I have no reason to leave. I would like to stay here for life, of course - why not? It's the best club in the world."

Guangzhou's massive financial backing has also already seen them sign Conca along with Brazilian striker Cleo from Partizan Belgrade as well as Korean international Cho Won-Hee, who formerly played for Wigan.

The club currently leads China's Super League by nine points and are unbeaten this campaign.

Andre Villas-Boas Plans To Do ‘Proper Business’ In The Transfer Market

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas says he intends to do “proper business” in the transfer market once the club's pre-season tour of the Far East is over.

The London club arrived in Malaysia ahead of the Barclays Asian Cup and will spend two weeks training and playing matches for their fans based abroad.

The Portuguese coach, 33, joined Chelsea last month from Porto but has yet to make any high-profile signings since his arrival, although the club are interested in Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.

When asked about the 25-year-old Croatian, the Blues boss was quoted as saying by The Mirror: “I think I have answered that question enough.

“We do not have the same sense of urgency that you are trying to put on me. It is a big 15 days and then we will go to the market and do some proper business.

“The market has plenty to offer. We have to decide on our needs but we will not be putting players to the test because they are top quality. By the time we go to the market we will know exactly what we need."

Whilst in the Far East, the Blues will play matches against a Malaysian XI, followed by Thailand All Stars and finally Hong Kong champions Kitchee.

The Chelsea boss told local journalists in Malaysia: “It is nothing new that top European teams move abroad, to show themselves to the fans based abroad.

“It will be an intense 15 days and it doesn’t matter if you do it in Asia, Europe or America, but it is important to touch the people who love us.”

The Portuguese coach is happy to let his players keep the ‘untouchable’ tag they held under former manager – and ex-mentor for the current Chelsea boss – Jose Mourinho.

He added to the club's official website: “Untouchable is a person who continuously performs at a high level. Based on the trophies these players have won before and the success they have had, aren't these the players you want in the end?

“As long as people are able to perform in training and to a level of performance that is high, I don't see why it shouldn't happen.

“The most important thing for a leader is to be coherent in the decisions that he takes and it's a principle I cannot let go.

“I have to keep the standards high. Any person who sits on the manager's job at Chelsea is expected to win. I cannot run away from that.”

Souleymane Coulibaly Signed By Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have signed Souleymane Coulibaly, a 16-year-old Ivory Coast youth international who plays at centre forward.

The north London club announced on Monday that the Ivory Coast teenager, who has previously played for Italian club Siena’s youth side, will be making a move to White Hart Lane.

Coulibaly impressed at the last under-17 World Cup where he scored nine goals in just four games.

The appointment of a new striker will please Spurs fans after Tottenham were left wanting of goals last season when forwards Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko struggled with their scoring rate.

A spokesperson for Tottenham Hotspur said: ‘We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Souleymane Coulibaly to join the club.’

Coulibaly was not able to make the first team at Siena but wowed in the Mexico Under-17 World Cup, scoring four goals against Denmark and seeing the Ivory Coast through to the last 16.

The youngster’s style has been liked to Chelsea's Didier Drogba, who has been linked with Spurs as a possible summer transfer for some time.

Arsenal To Step Up Interest In Brazil Under-20 Star

Arsenal is interested in São Paulo defender Bruno Uvini, and hope their good relationship with the Brazilian outfit will give them an advantage in the race for his signature.

The Gunners agreed to let wantaway midfielder Denílson return to São Paulo over the weekend, despite reportedly being offered a higher loan fee from Fluminense. The club is now hoping to use that deal to their advantage in the hunt for Uvini.

The 20-year-old full-back will captain Brazil's Under-20s at the forthcoming World Cup, where scouts from a number of European clubs will watch him. Arsenal is expected to be there, and could firm up their interest should Uvini have a successful tournament.

Uvini's current contract runs until 2014, but São Paulo are hopeful of agreeing new terms with him, which would include a release clause for European sides.

Given Signs Aston Villa Deal

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Shay Given from Manchester City after the goalkeeper agreed a five-year contract.

New Villa boss Alex McLeish targeted the Republic of Ireland international after Brad Friedel moved to Tottenham.

Given is regarded as one of the best keepers but found opportunities limited last season at City, where Joe Hart became Roberto Mancini's first choice.

The 35-year-old former Newcastle stopper has consequently been holding talks at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground over the past few days and he could now make his debut against Walsall on Thursday.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Aston Villa are delighted to confirm that Shay Given will be unveiled today as the club's new goalkeeper, having agreed a five-year deal to June 2016.

"The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international completed a medical over the weekend and the formality of his signing this morning.

"He will be available for Thursday's friendly fixture against Walsall at the Banks's Stadium and for the club's participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy next week."

Given, who City signed for £7million from Newcastle in 2009, is relishing his new career at Villa and is looking forward to a return to first-team football.

"Aston Villa is a huge football club and I'm really excited to be joining," he said.

"I'm looking forward to training and playing with the players here. They're a good bunch of lads, very talented and I know several of them already which will help.

"Everyone knows that I didn't play enough football last season, so I'm really pleased that I'll be able to put that right here. Hopefully, this move will get me back to where I was before in the Premier League, which is where every player wants to be playing.

"Obviously, I'm also excited to be working with Alex McLeish and it's going to be a fresh start for everybody at the club this season.

"It's also a new challenge and one I'm eager to embrace. My aim is to impress the Aston Villa supporters with my performances and I can't wait really to get started.” Villa manager McLeish said: "Shay has come here probably with something of a point to prove and that won't do any harm at all.

"Everybody who has watched him perform over many years in the Premier League will know his pedigree, so we believe we have secured the services of one of the best goalkeepers in the business.

"He's a real competitor and a world-class keeper and I'm delighted he's the first signing I've made at Villa."

Sir Alex Admits United Keeper Concern

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed David de Gea is not certain to be Manchester United's No. 1 next season, with the veteran Scot admitting his one concern is the void left by Edwin van der Sar's retirement.

De Gea, 20, completed a big-money move from Atletico Madrid this summer following the retirement of Edwin van der Sar, and it was expected that he would instantly become the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

However, with 27-year-old Denmark international Anders Lindegaard having joined the club in January, De Gea faces a battle for his place.

"The only area where we may have to be patient is in the goalkeeping position," Ferguson said. "De Gea is only 20, he's young. He's played in the Spanish league for a couple of years, but it's not the English league.

"I think he'll need time to settle in, but the potential is enormous. It's absolutely unbelievable, the potential the boy has got. We've also got Anders Lindegaard, so we may get a challenge for them both to accept, but in time the boy De Gea will make it his position, there's no doubt about that."

Arsenal Chief Hints At Gary Cahill Or Chris Samba Deal To Solve 'Weak' Area

Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis has hinted the club will finally make a move to address their defensive plight, and snap up Gary Cahill or Christopher Samba.

The Gunners big wig has reassured fans that the club has no intentions of curbing their spending in the current transfer window, despite the arrivals of Gervinho and Carl Jenkinson.

And with Cahill and Samba already high on the hit list, Gazidis revealed he held positive meetings with Arsene Wenger in Asia to identify the man they wanted to plug the defensive gap.

‘We still will be active in this window,’ said Gazidis.

‘We haven't finished our business at all. We're just not conducting it publicly; we're working hard privately.

‘I was out in Asia because I could be with Arsène for an extended period of time and think very, very carefully about strategy and targets.

‘We understand where the weaknesses have been. Financially we're in a strong position, we have resources to spend.

‘We're certainly not sitting there saying ‘let's hold back on our resources’ for some reason, why would we?’

Nicklas Bendtner Lined Up For Everton Loan

Everton want Nicklas Bendtner on a season-long loan from Arsenal, but the Gunners are stalling as they would prefer to sell.

The Danish striker was left out of Arsene Wenger’s squad that travelled for a pre-season tour to the Far East in order to finalize a move away from the club.

However, after initial interest from Hamburg and Sporting Lisbon faded, the 23-year-old has been left stranded at the Emirates, and now Everton are said to be willing to offer him an escape route.

Arsenal value the forward at £12million, but the Toffees would have trouble stumping up that amount of money, and are therefore pushing for a loan arrangement.

David Moyes has been consistently hampered in the transfer market due to his lack of funds, and would jump at the chance to bolster his thin forward line with Bendtner.

The Scot is also reportedly interested in Wigan’s Hugo Rodallega and Espanyol’s Dani Osvaldo.

Man City Ready Aguero Bid

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that a bid for Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero is imminent.

Aguero has previously expressed his desire to leave Atletico this summer, and Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea have all been reported suitors.

But with Carlos Tevez looking to leave Eastlands this summer to be closer to his family in South America, Aguero has been earmarked to replace his compatriot.

Asked whether a firm offer had been made for Aguero, Mancini replied: "Maybe in the next days.

"I have not spoken to anyone about it, but probably. I think so."

Aguero has already stated he was planning to decide upon his future this week after Argentinas shock Copa America exit.

While City and Corinthians continue to negotiate a deal in excess of £40million deal for Tevez.

"I slept last night and I had a game to prepare for so I don't know anymore," Mancini said on Tevez, following City's 2-1 friendly win over Vancouver.

"The clubs are talking. I haven't spoken to it. They only have one number and it does not work at the moment."

Liverpool Courting £15m Uruguay International In Swap Deal

Liverpool has identified Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin as to complete the posse of centre backs at Anfield, according to reports in Spain.

The Reds have not been shy about splashing the cash this year with the huge January purchases of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez being followed in the last few weeks by the arrivals of Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing. Despite having parted with over £100m in the last eight months, Kenny Dalglish does not yet feel his squad is complete hence the interest in Godin.

The 25-year-old is currently on international duty with Uruguay in the 2011 Copa Amercia along with Kop favourite Luis Suarez and was part of the squad that knocked out hosts Argentina on Saturday. Godin was a target for Chelsea in the previous transfer window until the Blues signed David Luiz. A solid defender that relishes the aerial battle, he is also a good distributor from the back - something currently lacking at Anfield.

Atletico will be reluctant to lose a player that they have only had on their books for 12 months after they signed him from Villarreal for £6.6m last summer though with the player now valued at around £15m they could be tempted in to making a quick profit. In a bid to smooth the transfer and to ease their bloated midfield, Liverpool will also offer Christian Poulsen as part of the deal with the player reportedly receptive to a move back to Spain where he previously had a spell with Sevilla.

Chelsea Consider £15m Offer For Everton Midfield Ace

Chelsea is ready to test Everton’s resolve to hang on to Marouane Fellaini with a £15m bid amid speculation that the midfielder is considering his Goodison Park future.

The 23-year-old Belgium international has grown frustrated with Evertons failure to win trophies since he joined from Standard Liege in August 2008. The Toffees finished seventh in the Premier League last season 14 points behind the coveted fourth-place Champions League spot.

Fellaini is planning to hold talks with Everton manager David Moyes regarding the clubs ambitions, with last years Premiership runners up believed to be monitoring the situation closely. New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is eyeing a replacement for the injured Michael Essien, who has been ruled out for 6 months with cruciate ligament damage.

The West London club is prepared to submit an initial offer of £15m the same amount Everton paid for the player three years ago but Moyes will demand an offer in excess of £20m for his influential star, who still has two years left on his Goodison Park deal.

Moyes harbours hope that Fellaini will sign a contract extension; however the Belgian is adamant he will only stay if the Merseysiders prove they can compete with England's biggest clubs. Everton’s lack of transfer funds has contributed towards the clubs lack of progress in recent seasons, with the club suffering increasing debts. The Everton board may even risk the wrath of Moyes by opting to cash in on Fellaini to ease financial straits.