Juventus Set Sights On Signing Franck Ribery

Juventus have extended their search for a wide midfielder and earmarked Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery as a possible transfer target.

Having already been linked with moves for Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas, and Schalke's Jefferson Farfan for the left wing, Sky Sport Italia now claims the Turin-based outfit are looking at the the France international.

The 28-year-old has only just resumed action for Bayern after an injury, but Juventus are keeping their options open and could be ready to make a last-minute offer for him.

Antonio Conte suggested his side were not quite complete on Friday as they have been unable to sign a wide man to play on the left.

Michel Bastos said he was staying with Lyon, despite being courted by Juventus this summer, while Fiorentina have already turned down a bid for Vargas.

However, despite Conte wanting to recreate the team's golden age, signing Ribery would require a considerable effort as Bayern have often said they are unwilling to sell their best players this summer.

28-year-old Ribery is tied to the German club until 2015.

Valencia Stay In Ogbonna Chase

Despite Torino’s denials, reports continue to suggest Valencia is pushing to sign Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna.

Toro President Urbano Cairo has been adamant he received “no worthwhile offers” for the 23-year-old.

However, reports from Spain point to Valencia stepping up their bid to €6m.

It is still a long way off Torino’s €10m price-tag, especially considering he plays in Serie B.

Ogbonna recently received two call-ups to the Italy squad under Cesare Prandelli, although he has not yet been given a senior cap.

Milan, Napoli and Juventus have also shown an interest in the Under-21 international.

Mazzarri Hopes For Rossi Deal

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri is hopeful the club will sign Giuseppe Rossi from Villarreal.

Rossi had attracted interest from Barcelona and Juventus earlier this summer, but Villarreal have been reluctant to sell. Even so, Napoli has made public their interest in the Italy striker and Mazzarri feels he would be a major boost for the Champions League.

"We need 22 players in the squad - that's also what Mourinho says," Mazzarri said. "If someone offers me Giuseppe Rossi, I would be happy.

"Until now the names that have been mentioned weren't at Giuseppe Rossi's level and that's why I've always said I don't want other forwards but, as for Rossi, I hope he arrives tomorrow. That would be a great present and would make us take a step up in terms of quality."

There have been rumours that Rossi's arrival could mean the exit of Ezequiel Lavezzi, but Mazzarri hopes Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik all stay put.

"Yes, I want him [Rossi], but with Lavezzi," he said. "I wouldn't have any problem leaving one of Rossi, Cavani, Lavezzi and Hamsik on the bench, not least because we'll be playing every three days.

"I want to manage top players - whether it is Rossi, Tevez, Nilmar or Balotelli. I'd love to manage four top quality forwards."

Barclays Premier League: Man City vs. Swansea

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez will sit out Manchester City's opening game of the Premier League season. The Blues skipper only returned to training this week and, with his future still uncertain, manager Roberto Mancini does not feel it is worth pushing the 27-year-old into the Eastlands fray. Tevez's international colleague Sergio Aguero may be involved for the first time since his club-record £38million move from Atletico Madrid, although Mancini reckons he could contribute only 45 minutes at best.

Captain Garry Monk is a major doubt for Swansea. The defender, who signed a new three-year contract earlier this week, is struggling with a foot injury and may have to wait for the home clash with Wigan to make his first appearance of the campaign. Goalkeeper Michel Vorm comes straight into the squad after completing his move from FC Utrecht and will battle fellow new signing Jose Moreira for the starting berth. Danny Graham, Leroy Lita, Wayne Routledge and Steven Caulker are also in line to make their debuts at Etihad Stadium.

Man City (from): Hart, Pantilimon, Taylor, Richards, Zabaleta, Savic, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Kolarov, Boyata, Johnson, Barry, De Jong, Milner, Silva, Toure, Weiss, Wright-Phillips, Balotelli, Dzeko, Aguero.

Swansea (from): Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Caulker, Tate, Bodde, Britton, Orlandi, Beattie, Graham, Sinclair, Dyer, Cornell, Dobbie, Routledge, Monk, Cotterill, Lita, Moore, MacDonald, Moreira, Rangel, Harley, Agustien, Butler.

Betting Recommendation

Manchester City has been made one of the favourites to win the Premier League this season. However, they must win their English Premier League season opener against Swansea City if they are to be considered genuine title threats. Despite losing the Community Cup after going two goals ahead during half-time, Man City looks odds on to beat newcomers Swansea in the opening game. Man City to win this match easily with probable score of 2-0 or 3-0.

Barclays Premier League: Wigan vs Norwich

Premier League survivors Wigan host top flight new-boys Norwich in an intriguing season opener at the DW Stadium.

Both sides go into the game on a high, the Latics after their last day survival at Stoke and the Canaries after securing back-to-back promotions.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will be looking to get off to a flier this term after the Latics were hammered 4-0 by Blackpool in the opener at the DW last term and spent the rest of the season struggling.

A good start is equally important to Paul Lambert as the Canaries aim to do better than the last time they were in the top flight in 2004/05, when they suffered a heart-breaking final day relegation.

Both sides have undergone changes in the summer - Wigan have lost talisman Charles N'Zogbia to Aston Villa and Tom Cleverley has returned to Manchester United, while Norwich have brought in seven new signings and six have exited Carrow Road.

Wigan look set to be without midfielder James McCarthy for Saturday's opener.

The Republic of Ireland international twisted his ankle in last week's pre-season friendly against Villarreal and Latics boss Martinez has given him only a 10 per cent chance of being involved.

Striker Hugo Rodallega is available after returning late to pre-season training following his involvement with Colombia in the Copa America but defender Antolin Alcaraz, who reached the final with Paraguay, will be given more time to regain full fitness.

Norwich are hopeful Wales midfielder Andrew Crofts (ankle) and full-back Russell Martin (calf) will be fit for the clash.

Striker James Vaughan, signed from Everton, and centre-back Elliott Ward are sidelined after picking up minor knee injuries during pre-season training in Germany.

Anthony Pilkington could be included in the squad as the former Huddersfield winger continues his rehabilitation from a serious ankle injury.

Possible starting XIs

Wigan: Al Habsi, Caldwell, Boyce, Figueroa, Gohouri, Watson, Moses, Diame, McArthur, Rodallega, Sammon.

Norwich: Ruddy, Naughton, Whitbread, De Laet, Tierney, Bennett, Johnson, Hoolahan, Surman, Holt, Morison.

Betting Recommendation

Wigan has been made favourites this term to be relegated to the Championship next season. Wigan narrowly escapes the drop last term, eluding the relegation zone by just three points. Meanwhile, doubts remain over whether Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega will start for the Latics or not, with the pair having only recently returned to the first-team fold following their extended post-Copa America break. James McCarthy, who missed three months of action last season, is extremely doubtful after picking up an ankle knock against Villarreal last Sunday.

Norwich is also one of the favourites to go down next season. Last season, in the Championship, Norwich is one of the most interesting team to watch, scoring the most goals, with 83 goals, at the same time conceding 58 goals. Norwich were hit by knee injuries to James Vaughan and Elliot Ward during their pre-season training camp in Germany back in July and the pair have no chance of making it at the DW Stadium. Steve Morison arrived at the club from Millwall in the summer but is likely to start on the bench as Paul Lambert sticks to trusted striking duo Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson.

The game between Wigan and Norwich can already be considered a six pointer, as both teams battle to avoid relegation from the English Premier League against one another at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Wigan's form in season openers is nothing short of atrocious, having lost five of six in their past curtain raisers in the top flight. Their pre-season form, however, has been quite the opposite - the Latics have won four of five encounters, drawing the other - meaning Martinez's men may be poised to reverse their opening day fortunes. Expect a win for Wigan, beating Norwich by 2-0 or 2-1 scoreline. Elmander has left for Galatasaray while Lee Chung-Yong suffered a broken leg during its pre-season friendly game.

QPR will be looking forward for their first Premier League home game after being absent from the top flight for 15 years. However, I believe Bolton will have the resilient to hold QPR to a draw.

Barclays Premier League: QPR vs Bolton

Queens Park Rangers will welcome Bolton for their first Premier League game at Loftus Road in 15 years.

The West London club claimed the Championship title last season and will have survival as their ultimate target this year.

Neil Warnock has not been provided with lavish funds to reshape his squad ahead of an arduous and long campaign, despite the vast wealth of his multi-millionaire owners.

Jay Bothroyd, Danny Gabbidon, Kieron Dyer and goalkeeper Brian Murphy have all been signed on free transfers, while DJ Campbell was snapped up for £1.25million from Blackpool.

Debuts

All the outfield players will be handed their Premier League debuts on Saturday as Warnock looks to harness their top-flight experience.

Talisman Adel Taraabt will be a key figure for Warnock this campaign and if the Yorkshirman can find a way to cajole his Moroccan genius, he will be a problem for most teams in the division.

Owen Coyle has been busy this summer at the Reebok Stadium and has swelled his ranks with new signings.

Midfielders Darren Pratley and Nigel Reo-Coker arrived on free transfers from Swansea and Aston Villa, respectively.

Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles arrived from Burnley for a combined fee of £3million, while Turkey international Tuncay comes in from Wolfsburg on a season long deal.

Tuncay is set to miss the game as he has yet to be granted a work permit, while Reo-Coker and Eagles are expected to make their Premier League bows for the Trotters.

Coyle, though, will definitely be without Mears and Lee Chung-yong, who both sustained broken legs during the pre-season.

Bolton endured a terrible end to the last campaign - losing five of their last six games - and they will want to begin this one by erasing that memory.

Probable starting XIs

QPR: Cerny, Orr, Gabbidon, Shittu, Hill, Dyer, Derry, Taraabt, Faurlin, Bothroyd, Campbell.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Knight, Cahill, Robinson, Eagles, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Davies, Klasnic.

Betting Recommendation

QPR have retained the services of two main architects of its success in winning the Championship last season, experienced manager Warnock and mercurial captain Adel Taarabt. This partnership also appears to be its best hope to remain in the Premier League. In addition, Warnock has recruited strikers Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell from Cardiff and Blackpool respectively, as well as defender Danny Gabbidon and injury-plagued winger Kieron Dyer.

Bolton Wanderers last season have improved, not in the position in the standings, but rather in its style of play. They are playing with a mixture of free flowing attacking football, compared to a direct style used in the previous seasons. These improvements are mainly provided by Korean midfielder, Lee Chung-Yong and their Swedish striker, Johan Elmander. However, both players will be missing in the game against QPR for a very different reason. Elmander has left for Galatasaray while Lee Chung-Yong suffered a broken leg during its pre-season friendly game.

QPR will be looking forward for their first Premier League home game after being absent from the top flight for 15 years. However, I believe Bolton will have the resilient to hold QPR to a draw.

Barclays Premier League: Fulham vs. Aston Villa

Bobby Zamora will lead the Fulham attack against Aston Villa despite having a broken hand.

The England striker suffered the injury playing at NK Split in the Europa League two weeks ago, but played the return leg while wearing a protective cast and will do the same on Saturday. John Arne Riise is likely to make his Premier League debut for the Cottagers but his brother Bjorn Helge is out with a minor hamstring problem and Simon Davies (knee) is also unavailable. Jol had worried that this weekend's clash in London would be called off due to the unrest in the capital.

With the game now being given the go-ahead, Jol is relishing his return to the English top flight after spending the last six weeks playing Europa League qualifiers against sub-standard opposition. "We are very happy that the game is on," Jol said. "The main thing was that we wanted to play football.”I don't see there is a lot of difference in playing friendlies (or playing in the Europa League qualifiers). It wasn't as if we were playing Inter Milan or Ajax. It was Crusaders and Split. "Hopefully it will have given us enough preparation for the season." Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has virtually a full squad to pick from.

Striker Darren Bent and central defender James Collins have recovered from shoulder and back injuries respectively which prevented their involvement with England and Wales this week. Charles N'Zogbia and Shay Given are poised for their league debuts following their summer arrivals with Rangers target Carlos Cuellar (knee) the only player unavailable for selection. McLeish has called for patience from Aston Villa fans accustomed to demanding success as he sets his sights on a season of "steady progress." In an ideal world, McLeish would like to surpass the 2010-11 achievement of finishing ninth and challenge for a European spot. But he is also realistic after losing several experienced players this summer, including Stewart Downing and Ashley Young, and having to reduce a sizeable wage bill.

McLeish is looking for some of the club's promising youngsters, such as Fabian Delph, to make their mark plus players out in the cold under Gerard Houllier in Stephen Warnock and Stephen Ireland. The Scot said: "We've lost some very experienced players, don't forget, and we are looking for young players to make the breakthrough.”That might not happen so people may have to be patient in terms of where we finish in the league. We finished very healthily in ninth position after the first half of last season was difficult. "If we can maintain a steady progress throughout the season, that would be heading in the right direction.”Would a top 10 finish would be okay? I think that would terrific. I think that would be an achievement for the players but we will try and aim higher than that."

Betting Recommendation

Fulham’s new boss Martin Jol had the opportunity to gather a few competitive games thanks to the Europa League qualifying albeit against weaker sides. Fulham have beaten Crusaders from the Northern Ireland and Split of Croatia to qualify for the next playoff round. Thus, Martin Jol’s men should be match fit and more settled ahead of the clash with Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa, also with new manager, Alex McLeish, who made the controversial switch from relegated Birmingham City to cross-city rivals Villa in the off-season, have suffered from the lost of key men in Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. With both starting wingers leaving the club, McLeish will most likely field Marc Albrighton and his newly acquired winger from Wigan Athletic, Charles N’Zogbia, alongside with Stilian Petrov and Barry Bannan in the middle.

The lost of the key men in Downing and Young, in my opinion, has weakened the midfield area for Aston Villa. N’Zogbia prefers to take players on rather than putting crosses in for the always dangerous Darren Bent. Fulham to beat Aston Villa will be my choice for this game together with a small wager on Fulham winning to nil.

Arsenal Sign Costa Rica's Joel Campbell

Arsenal have agreed terms with the Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa to sign the striker Joel Campbell. The 19-year-old was in his country's squad for the Copa América and the Under-20 World Cup.

Arsenal revealed on Friday that the transfer is subject to the completion of "formal agreements and processes". The manager Arsène Wenger told www.arsenal.com: "Joel Campbell has already shown that he is a player with great ability and has also performed well on the international stage at a young age.

"We look forward to the formalities of the transfer being completed and working with Joel when he joins us at Arsenal."

Campbell is predominantly left-footed and has made six full international appearances, scoring twice. He scored on his debut in a 5-0 win over Cuba at this year's Concacaf Gold Cup, helping his side reach the quarter-finals.

Campbell has had two seasons in his native Primera División, where he played for Deportivo Saprissa and on loan at Puntarenas, making a total of eight league appearances.

Man United And Arsenal In £10m Battle To Sign France Playmaker

Manchester United and Arsenal are set to battle it out for highly-rated France playmaker Marvin Martin.

The Sochaux midfielder burst onto the scene last season with a series of outstanding performances that saw him dubbed the 'French Xavi'.

Interest is mounting in the 23-year-old, with free-spending PSG as well as Arsenal and Manchester keen on the France international.

Martin has revealed he would be tempted to move if the terms on the table were acceptable to both Sochaux and himself, with the Ligue 1 outfit reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £10m.

The Red Devils are on the lookout for a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes and have turned to Martin after growing frustrated in their pursuit of Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder, who is demanding a staggering £200,000 week in wages.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has received glowing reports on the France international having sent several scouts to monitor the youngster's Ligue 1 performances last term.

While Arsenal scout Giles Grimandi is big admirer of Martin having watched him progress from Sochuax's prestigious youth academy to the clubs first-team squad and has urged Arsene Wenger to make a move for the diminutive midfielder.

Martin is a number of candidates Wenger is considering to replace the soon to be departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, with Valencia's Juan Mata and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Jadson linked with a move to the Emirates.

Spurs To Offer Cash Plus Bassong To Land Samba

Spurs have stepped up their interest in Blackburn defender Chris Samba and are ready to offer cash plus Sebastian Bassong as part of the deal.

The Congo international has expressed his desire to leave Ewood Park, despite signing a new five-year contract earlier this year.

It’s been reported that Arsenal is his preferred destination, but north London rivals Spurs look in pole position to land the 27-year-old stopper.

And they are ready to part company with 26-year-old Bassong, who has fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, in a bid to push the deal through.

The Cameroon international joined Spurs from Newcastle in 2008 and started just 12 league games last season.

Catania Sign Free Agent David Suazo

Catania have snapped up free agent David Suazo, the club said via a statement on Friday.

The 31-year-old was expected to rejoin Cagliari after leaving Inter in June following the expiry of his contract at San Siro.

The forward spent a few weeks training with the Sardinian side, but recently left after being told that a deal was not forthcoming, giving Catania the chance to land him instead.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Calcio Catania S.p.A communicates to have acquired David Suazo on a permanent basis. Suazo signed a one-year deal until June 30, 2012, but he has to option to extend until 2013."

The Honduras international was at Inter last season but he never featured.

Roma Look At Thiago Alcantara

Roma are looking to another Barcelona and Spain young talent, as they resume a bid for Thiago Alcantara.

The 20-year-old has shot to fame in the last few months with pre-season appearances for Barça.

He also made his senior Spain international debut in their 2-1 friendly defeat to Italy this week.

Former Barcelona B Coach Luis Enrique has already brought Bojan Krkic over to Roma and is reportedly setting his sights on Alcantara.

His contract with Barcelona runs to 2013 and he has quickly become very hot property on the transfer market.

Thiago Alcantara was born in Italy because his father, Brazilian Mazinho, was playing for Lecce at the time.

He grew up largely in Spain and has opted to play his international football for his adopted country.

Zenit St. Petersburg's Fernando Meira Will Sign For Real Zaragoza

Zenit St. Petersburg coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that defender Fernando Meira is on the verge of joining Real Zaragoza.

The Portugal international has the subject of a rumoured move to the Zaragoza since last summer, when the Spanish side first baulked at the 33-year-old's transfer fee.

However, the two clubs now appear to be edging closer to an agreement for Meira, who joined Zenit from Galatasaray in 2009 for €4.5 million.

The centre-back has been a fringe figure at Zenit since the arrival of compatriot Bruno Alves from Porto last summer, and is looking to move on as a result.

"Yes, Meira will effectively be transferred to Zaragoza. He needs playing time, so he cannot stay in the team," AS quote Spalletti as saying.

The former Benfica and Stuttgart man is regarded as a replacement for Matteo Contini, who has been loaned out to Siena.

Man United Target £25m Ajax Starlet

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly considering a bid for Denmark wonderkid Christian Eriksen as the Old Trafford boss continues his search for a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes, according to caughtoffside.com.

Having brought in the likes of Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling, David de Gea and Phil Jones over the past 18 months , Ferguson is continuing to target precocious young talent to help build for the Man United future.

The Scot is hoping young signings, alongside those coming through the club's own youth system, can help make up for the loss of experienced players over the past year.

With Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar all retiring and the likes of Wes Brown and John O’Shea sold, the Man United boss is plotting moves for high-quality youngsters and is now targeting Ajax playmaker Eriksen.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in European football and is already a regular in the Denmark side.

He notched up over 40 appearances last term as helped the Amsterdam club to their first domestic title in 7 years.

The teenager reportedly turned down a move to Man City at the weekend, and host of other top European sides are also tracking the youngster this summer.

Eriksen is expected to stay at Ajax for another season as he looks to enjoy his first Champions League foray, but Ferguson will hope that the allure of a move to Old Trafford will appeal to the former Odense youth team player.

Man United have been strongly linked with interest in Wesley Sneijder, Samir Nasri and Luka Modric but at present deals to bring in any of that trio appear to have hit the buffers and a move Eriksen would have more resonance with the current transfer policy Ferguson is adopting.

Arsenal Prepare £45m Double Swoop To Replace Star Duo

Arsenal will make a £45million double offer for Valencia’s Juan Mata and Lille’s Eden Hazard to replace Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has admitted defeat in trying to hold onto his current stars and will sell to Barcelona and Manchester City if the price is right.

Both Mata and Hazard have been linked with moves to the Emirates all summer with Wenger personally making enquiries into their availability.

Mata, 23, will replace Fabregas after impressing in La Liga last season and in the U21 European Championship during the summer.

Hazard, 20, is one of the most sought after young talents in Europe after bagging seven and eight assists to help Lille win the Ligue 1 title last year.

Barcelona is set to complete the Fabregas deal for a fee of £30million plus £5million in add-ons.

The amount is less than the £40million Arsenal had been holding out for and suggests Arsenal felt they had no choice but to sell a player who wanted to leave.

Wenger is also prepared to take £22million from City for Nasri, who has refused to sign a new contract and has only one-year remaining on his current deal.

The Arsenal manager had stated he was prepared for him to leave for nothing next summer but pressure from the board and the playmaker’s reluctance to play in pre-season has made Wenger think again.

The Gunners are also in the market for at least one defender with Gary Cahill and Scott Dann top of Wenger’s wanted list.

Interest in Phil Jagielka has cooled after Arsenal baulked at Everton’s £20million asking price for the 28-year-old.

Liverpool Competing With Inter Milan Over Transfer Of Gago

Liverpool are involved in a three-way fight over Real Madrid's Fernando Gago, according to Marca.

The Spanish daily claims that the Premier League club are competing with Inter Milan and Boca Juniors for the signature of the Argentina international. Gago is surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu with the club boasting a wealth of midfielders such as Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso, and Lassana Diarra - all of whom are direct rivals for a starting spot.

The last season was a torrid one for the 25-year-old with a series of injuries to his knee and abductor muscle forcing him to watch much of the action from the sidelines. However, with the player eager for games, a move to Anfield would appear unlikely given the presence of Lucas Leiva, Charlie Adam, Steven Gerrard, Christian Poulsen and Jordan Henderson.

Boca Juniors are reportedly Gago's preferred destination though the asking price of around £7m might be just out of their grasp.

Hugo Rodallega Tracked By Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is preparing to table a bid for Wigan's Hugo Rodallega as he looks to boost his front line.

The Colombian striker has impressed in the Premier League since joining the Latics in 2009, scoring 22 goals in 81 games for a side struggling in and around the relegation zone.

Wenger is rumoured to be a huge fan of Rodallega and has followed his progress with some interest, the Mirror reports.

If the striker leaves the DW Stadium it is likely that Roberto Martinez will be looking for a ready-made replacement with Premier League experience.

Peter Odemwingie is rumoured to be the Wigan boss' main target and the club have approached West Brom over the striker's availability.

However, Baggies boss Roy Hodgson wants the Nigerian international to play alongside new £6.5 million signing Shane Long, but club chief Jeremy Peace is open to offers as Odemwingie is yet to sign a new deal at the Hawthorns.

The Arsenal board recently confirmed that the Gunners boss will be handed a huge transfer war chest if Cesc Fabregas makes his expected move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Fabregas' move to the Catalan club could spark a great deal of activity at the Emirates, with Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Jaun Mata and Scott Dann all on Arsene Wenger's radar.

Roma Make Move For Pablo Osvaldo

Tottenham and Blackburn target Pablo Osvaldo could be on his way to Serie A side Roma, according to reports in Italy.

Roma have reportedly opened negotiations with Espanyol and an offer of £16million has been made, despite the striker being valued at around £18.5m by his Spanish employers.

Roma boss Luis Enrique, who was a coach at Barcelona before taking over at the Serie A side earlier this summer, would have seen first hand what the Argentina-born Italian is capable of last season when he hit 13 goals in 24 La Liga appearances.

And it is understood that Enrique sees Osvaldo as a suitable strike partner for Bojan Krkic, who he signed from Barcelona in June.

Spurs and Blackburn have both been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old and could be ready to table bids of their own given Roma's renewed interest.

It has also been reported that Atletico Madrid have offered around £14m for Osvaldo, although it is thought to fall way below Espanyol's valuation.

Arsenal To Sign Brazilian Sensation Jadson

It is being reported by L’Equipe that Arsenal are about to sign Shakhtar Donetsk player Jadson as a replacement for the Barcelona bound Cesc Fabregas.

Jadson has a contract with Shakhtar for three more years, but an offer of around €10m should be enough for the Ukrainian side to let him go.

The attacking midfielder started has made over 200 appearances for Shakhtar since joining in January 2005 from Atletico Paranaense and made he made his international debut for Brazil in the match against France earlier this year.

Chelsea Make Surprise Transfer Move For Celtic Striker

Chelsea is close to sealing a deal for young Celtic striker Islam Feruz, according to the Scotsman.

Feruz is just 15 years of age, but Celtic officials cannot match the £2500 per week that Chelsea is reportedly offering.

The Glasgow club is now expected to have to settle for compensation of around £300,000, which is far less than perhaps they would receive should Feruz develop as expected and become a first team player.

Neither Celtic nor Chelsea agreed to comment on the matter - with a Stamford Bridge official stating:

"Until an official press release is made by Chelsea FC, we cannot make any comments regarding signing speculations."

Porto Lead Chase For Spurs And Everton Target

Tottenham and Everton target Eliaquim Mangala is the subject of a bid from Porto.

Both English clubs have been monitoring the Standard Liege defender's progress in the Belgian league but the Portuguese champions are believed to have beaten them to the negotiating table.

Liege is believed to want £6m for the France Under-21 international and Porto have tested their resolve with a bid of £5m according to newspaper A'Bola.

The 20-year-old centre-back's agent Fabrizio Ferrari said: "In the first days of next week the matter will be closed"

Liege's general director Pierre Francois added: "We are now waiting for a response from Porto who is studying the details of the deal."

Sunderland Ready To Pounce For Niko Kranjcar

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he wants to sign out-of-favour Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar on loan.

The Croatia international has grown frustrated at White Hart Lane after fallen out of favour with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, making just two Premier League starts last season.

Kranjcar, 26, has already expressed his desire to leave Spurs this summer and Bruce could be set to make the former Portsmouth man his eleventh recruit of the transfer window.

Redknapp will be content to let the winger move to the Stadium of Light, but would prefer any deal to be permanent.

Bruce told the Daily Star: "Bringing someone in on loan remains an option and Kranjcar is a quality player who we are very much aware of."

Bruce has also been linked with out-of-favour Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy this summer, but it remains to be seen whether a move will materialize.

QPR Clinch Perone Deal

QPR have confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Bruno Perone, subject to international clearance.

The 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, has signed a one-year deal with the Premier League newcomers.

Sao Paulo-born Perone has been on trial with the west London side for the last month, featuring in several pre-season matches.

QPR boss Neil Warnock told his club's official website: "Bruno has fitted in very well in the time he has been with us.

"He did well during pre-season. He has still got lots to learn but when the time comes I am sure we will be able to put him in the team with confidence.

"One of the things he has got to learn is the language. At the moment Ali Faurlin is helping him out.''

If the international clearance proves no problem, Perone will join fellow newcomers Jay Bothroyd, Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon, DJ Campbell and Brian Murphy at Loftus Road.

La Liga Set For Delayed Start As Spanish Players' Union Calls Strike

La Liga and Segunda División players will go on strike for the first two weekends of the new Spanish season as the players' union steps up pressure on the league for a new deal over conditions.

The AFE president Luis Rubiales told a news conference: "We are unanimous and firm in our decision to call a strike. The league will not start until a new agreement [between the league and the players] has been signed."

At the heart of the dispute is the union's demand for a larger emergency fund to help players not being paid by clubs who are in financial administration.

The La Liga and Segunda División seasons are scheduled to start on the weekend of 20-21 August.

The AFE were supported by more than 100 top-flight footballers in a Madrid hotel where the event was held. The Spain internationals Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol were among the players and there were union representatives from France, Germany and Italy among others to lend their support.

Rubiales said the players had been negotiating with the Spanish football league (LFP) over a series of protective measures for players that are commonplace in other leagues in Europe but which Spanish players do not have.

"It is lamentable. As it stands we are at the bottom of the pile in Europe. We don't want more money, we want the clubs to honour the contracts they sign with their players. We don't want palliative measures. We have put forward proposals which exist in Holland, Germany, France and England which are preventative. In these countries if a club shows it can't pay its players the club doesn't compete.

"We have asked that players who are owed more than three months [wages] can break their contracts. It seemed like we had an agreement but it was left out."

Rubiales said that, despite the lengthy negotiations, the LFP had imposed a new settlement at the beginning of August which the players rejected.

"Enough is enough," he said. "This does not mean we are refusing to negotiate any more. We will do for the good of the players and football in general. But the league will not start until a new collective agreement is signed."

Lemoine Signs For St Etienne

St Etienne have announced the signing of Fabien Lemoine on a four-year deal from Rennes for an undisclosed fee. 

Lemoine, 24, missed five months of last season through injury following a nasty collision during a match against Nancy.

It was later revealed he had badly damaged his kidney in the incident, which meant it had to be removed.

The defensive midfielder has become St Etienne's seventh signing of the summer as they look to build a squad capable of bringing them their first Ligue 1 title since 1981.

St Etienne began their season with a win over Bordeaux last weekend but will face stiff competition from free-spending Paris Saint Germain for the title.

Lemoine will miss this weekend's match with Nancy, as he still serving a suspension.

Aston Villa And Hamburg SV Vying For Nicklas Bendtner

Aston Villa have joined Bundesliga club Hamburg SV in the hunt for Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner and may be in a position to offer up to £9m.

Hamburg have been interested since the player became available however they have since admitted that it would be difficult for them to sign the Dane given the transfer fee expected by the North London club. Alex McLeish’s Aston Villa meanwhile are still looking to add a striker to help Darren Bent up front and believe the 23 year old would fit in well.

Arsenal still have business of their own to sort out but are in no rush to sell Bendtner and will wait for the right offer to come in, it is also worth noting that Bendtner is particular about which club he would like to join with certain teams in Portugal also interested in his signature.

Eto'o Close To Agreeing Russia Move

Samuel Eto'o's Italian agent claims the Cameroon forward could soon be on his way to Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Anzhi is prepared to dip into their deep pockets to finance a big-money move for the Inter Milan striker.

And Inter has announced they are prepared to consider the offer put to them.

Anzhi now believe it has every chance of luring one of the most potent forwards in European football to Russia.

Eto'o's representative believes an agreement could be struck, with initial talks regarding a transfer having already been held.

Claudio Vigorelli told sports.ru: "We have almost reached an agreement with Anzhi. We now hope that the clubs can agree with each other."

While Inter has done little to rule out an imminent exit for their 30-year-old striker, owner Massimo Moratti insists there is no guarantee that a sale will be sanctioned.

He said: "At the moment Eto'o is not going anywhere and we are not negotiating for someone else to come in.

"We are only answering other teams that are interested in our players.

"I don't want to offend those who have made interesting offers for our players, offers that are right for the players' value.

"Then it will be up to us and the player to decide if we want to accept an offer or not.

"I have to say that, luckily, almost all of our players are sought-after."

Inter Milan Target Tevez Loan Deal As Eto'o Set For Exit

Inter Milan have made an offer to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez on a loan basis with a view to a permanent move next summer.

Tevez has made no secret that he wants to leave Manchester City and saw a move to Corinthians fall through during the summer.

Inter Milan are now in pole position to clinch his signature and reports in Italy today suggest they have opened talks over a season-long loan.

Manchester City are determined to do a straight cash deal for the Argentine superstar, but they could change their mind if Inter agree to sell Wesley Sneijder as part of the deal.

Inter are considering an offer from mega-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for striker Samuel Eto'o and see Tevez as the ideal replacement.

Paris Saint-Germain Set Sights On Sevilla's Mouhamadou Dabo

The Ligue 1 side were previously hot on the trail of Porto's Alvaro Pereira, but his €30 million release clause, coupled with reported interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, has seen the French outfit turn their attention towards Dabo.

PSG director Leonardo is desperate to add a left-sided defender to the squad and Dabo could return to France just a year after leaving Saint-Etienne for Spain.

The Senegal native is tied to Sevilla until 2014, but a serious offer from PSG could tempt the Spanish outfit to part company with the 24-year-old.

The French capital club were stunned 1-0 at home by Lorient in their Ligue 1 opener on Saturday and Leonardo is keen to make some last-minute changes to the squad so they can mount a serious title challenge.

Serie A Flyer Set For Manchester City Switch

Manchester City have reignited their interest in Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci.

The 24-year-old winger has been strongly linked with the Blues and a deal was on the cards earlier in the summer, but both clubs failed to agree a fee.

Now City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to re-open negotiations with the Italian side have started once again and the Citizens are prepared to increase their offer to £5m as they look to finalise his a deal.

Cerci is highly-rated in Serie A and Mancini is hoping the addition of his fellow countryman will help increase competition in midfield as City try to mount a successful challenge in both the Premier League and Champions League.

The Italian is hoping to land a four-year deal and will double his wages if he make a move to the Etihad Stadium.

A Fiorentina source said: "We are optimistic and hope a deal can be agreed in the next week."

Chelsea Striker Linked With Shock AC Milan Move

Didier Drogba could quit Chelsea to join AC Milan. The Ivorian has been coveted by the Giallorossi for several years who have tried - and failed - to sign him on two previous occasions but fancy their chances on making it third time lucky. They are hoping that the chance to play for one of football's most venerable institutions coupled with the potentially fewer first team opportunities at Chelsea could be enough to turn the player's head.

Drogba has enjoyed a fine pre-season whoich has seen him back to his dominant best but he knows he will have to jostle with £50m signing Fernando Torres and imminent teenage arrival Romelu Lukaku for a starting berth. With Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and the in-form Daniel Sturridge also in the mix, the compeiton for places will be fierce.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is known to be a fan of the 33-year-old but might consider using the player as leverage in his attempts to bring Alexandre Pato to Stamford Bridge. The Brazil international has been a long-term target of the club's and the Portuguese manager is thought to have given a green light to his pursuit. However, until a formal approach for Drogba is made by the Italians he will remian a key figure in West London.

Manchester United Striker Becomes Surprise Arsenal Target

Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing Manchester United's Danny Welbeck to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are facing a player exodus with Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner all eyeing the exit door which would leave manager Arsene Wenger short of options in attack. With Robin van Persie likely to miss the start of the season, the need for a striker is brought into even sharper focus and that has led to the interest in Welbeck.

The 20-year-old had an impressive season on loan at Sunderland last campaign scoring six goals in the process. His form was enough to earn him a first international cap in a friendly with Ghana earlier this year though with Welbeck also eligible to play for the African nation through both his parents' nationality, there was also a hint of opportunism behind the selection on the FA's behalf.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has always spoken in glowing terms about his striker - even recommending him to Fabio Capello as a potential member of his 2010 World Cup squad - so it would be something of a surprise were he to entertain the thought of selling him to one of his main rivals. However, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda all competing for a first team place, a decent bid in the region of £11m and the promise of more regular football could be enough to turn both United's and Welbeck's head.

Inter Hold Talks With Napoli Regarding Ezequiel Lavezzi

Inter are targeting Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi as a replacement for Samuel Eto'o, who looks set to leave the club this summer.

Eto'o, 30, is currently in negotiations with Anzhi Makhachkala after Inter received a mega offer from the Russian club.

Inter director of sport Marco Branca has now been in talks with Napoli for the Argentina international.

Branca spoke with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, but have been told it will take at least a £27 million (€31m) bid to land the 26-year-old.

However, the Coppa Italia winners are willing to tempt the San Paolo-based club with a cash-plus-player deal.

Goran Pandev, MacDonald Mariga and Davide Santon could be used as leverage to lower what appear to be high demands.

Inter have also been linked with Manchester City's Carlos Tevez, but the feeling in Italy is Lavezzi a significantly cheaper alternative in terms of wages.

It has been reported the Argentine currently earns around £1.2m (€1.4m) per annum at Napoli.

Lazio Join Lugano Chase

Juventus will face competition from Lazio for Diego Lugano of Fenerbahce, reports Sky Sport Italia.

The Old Lady are looking for a new centre-back to boost their options and the Uruguayan is a possibility.

Lugano, 31, could apparently be signed for as little as €3.5m from his Turkish club this summer.

Given the attractive nature of the fee, Lazio are now also monitoring the South American’s situation.

Lazio have been paired with Lugano on numerous occasions in the past.

Juventus, meanwhile, have also been paired with Chelsea stopper Alex and Bruno Alves of Zenit St Petersburg.

Manchester City Considering First Option Deal For Newell's Old Boys Starlet Eugenio Isnaldo

Manchester City look set to snap up one of Argentina's top prospects after Newell's Old Boys director Jorge Ricobelli confirmed that his club have sent Manchester City their teenage starlet Eugenio Isnaldo for a trial.

Speaking to Cruz del Sur, the Argentine club's treasurer revealed that Roberto Mancini's side had requested a first-hand look the 17-year-old prospect.

Ricobelli explained if City were impressed by the trial, they would have the opportunity to sign a first-option agreement with Newell's.

He stated: "The kid [Isnaldo] has gone to play in a tournament, and do a kind of trial so that he can be viewed.

"If they like him, an agreement will be signed through Newell's in which the club will receive a sum of money."

The Argentine club's official also added that the Argentines would earn around £170,000 from a first option deal.

If an agreement is made between the two clubs, it would mean that City would have first refusal on the midfielder when Newell's decide the time is right to sell.

However, Ricobelli did add he would not be rushed into a sale, stating: "Please make it clear that this kid will play in the Newell's first-team.

"The only thing that Manchester City are doing is assuring the possibility of matching a future offer when the player is ready to be sold."