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.

Arsenal Expected To Sign Monaco Striker

Monaco striker Park Chu-young looks set to join Arsenal for £10m after he failed to show up for the second part of a medical with the French champions Lille.

"He has left for England, clearly for Arsenal," angry Lille president Michel Seydoux was quoted as saying by www.lequipe.fr on Saturday after finding the player's hotel room empty.

Lille was convinced they had all but wrapped up a deal for the 26-year-old before Arsenal made their move. Arsène

Wenger is desperate to sign a striker, midfielder and defender before the transfer window closes on Wednesday, having lost Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City.

Park, who is the South Korea captain, was a key member of the Monaco side who were relegated from the French top flight last season.

QPR Sign Luke Young

QPR have completed the signing of Aston Villa right-back Luke Young for an undisclosed fee.

Young has signed a three-year deal at Loftus Road, joining Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton as the second player to sign for the west London club since AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club last week.

"I am ready for a new challenge," he told the club's official website.

"There are big things that are going to happen at this football club and I am really pleased to be a part of it.

"Myself and Joey signing here shows the intent of the club.

"I am really looking forward to getting started and pulling on the blue and white shirt."

The former Tottenham defender has won seven England caps during his career and QPR manager Neil Warnock believes his experience is a great bonus for the squad.

"I've been looking for a defender with vast Premier League experience for a while now and Luke certainly fits the bill," he said.

"He can play anywhere across the back four and that versatility will stand us in really good stead.

"Moving back home to London will also serve him well and I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action for us - he's got so much to give and his experience will be vital."

Arsenal Interested In Signing Eljero Elia From Hamburg

Arsenal are interested in bringing Hamburg winger Eljero Elia to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the transfer window, it has been claimed.

According to skysports.com, the north London club has made an enquiry for the 24-year-old as they look to sign forward reinforcements prior to next week's transfer deadline.

Arsene Wenger is said to have identified the Holland international as a potential acquisition following the departures for Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

The loss of the midfield duo has left Arsenal short on creative influences, and Elia would certainly provide the Gunners with added attacking flair and another goalscoring threat.

Elia has previously been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, while Hamburg have rejected an offer for his services from Juventus.

Chelsea Agree £28m Deal To Sign Ajax Defender

Chelsea has agreed a deal to sign highly-rated Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel, according to reports in Holland.

The Dutch international has been linked with a move to the Stamford Bridge for quite some time and it is believed that Andre Villas-Boas has secured the signature of the 23-year-old for around £28m.

The Portuguese tactician may possibly view Van der Wiel as a youthful replacement for the likes of Paulo Ferreira and Jose Bosingwa at right-back.

The youngster, who featured in the 2010 World Cup final, is widely-regarded as the best young full-back in Europe and has also been linked with Man City.

The former Porto chief is looking to overhaul Chelsea’s ageing squad over a period of two seasons and has already signed 19-year-old midfielder Oriol Romeu from Barcelona and 18-year striker Romelu Lukaku from Anderlecht this summer.

While 23-year-old Spain midfielder Juan Mata completed his £26m move to Stamford Bridge from Valencia earlier in the week.

Stoke Set To Land Spurs Pair

Stoke are set to complete the signings of Tottenham's Wilson Palacios and Peter Crouch, and have bid for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.

Stoke have been chasing Palacios and Crouch for much of the summer but Harry Redknapp has refused to let the pair leave White Hart Lane before landing his own targets.

However, Tottenham have now completed the signings of Yago Falque and Emmanuel Adebayor, and are also in talks with Scott Parker - paving the way for Palacios and Crouch to move on.

It is understood the fee for the pair is closer to £15million than the £18million Spurs originally wanted.

Palacios' move has been agreed in principle for weeks, but it is only over the past two days that Stoke have been able to persuade Crouch to move north.

The Potters have signed only Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson, both on free transfers, so far this summer, but Tony Pulis remains hopeful of landing up to five new players before Wednesday's transfer deadline.

A bid was lodged for Zaha on Friday after the club's director of football John Rudge score him score twice for Palace against Crawley in midweek, while talks look set to re-open with Birmingham forward Cameron Jerome.

Pulis would also like to take either Shaun Wright-Phillips or Craig Bellamy from Manchester City to provide cover for the wings.

Chelsea Star Wanted By Spanish Outfit

Real Betis are plotting an audacious attempt to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old Frenchman is in the final 12 months of his contract and has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and several MLS sides credited with an interest in his services.

Anelka faces increasing competition for a place in Andre Villas-Boas' side after the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Juan Mata at the club.

And according to The Mirror, Betis are looking to lure the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Bolton forward to Spain.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas earlier this month dismissed reports that either Anelka or Didier Drogba would leave the club this month.

But although Anelka stated earlier this summer that he was happy to stay at the club and fight for his place in the side, it is thought he is open to a move.

Borriello Agrees PSG Move

Marco Borriello has reportedly agreed a deal for his €8m transfer from Roma to Paris Saint-Germain.

The French media report this weekend that the move is all but secure going into the final few days of the session.

Roma put the hitman on the market earlier this week and he was also of interest to Genoa.

At PSG Borriello would be reunited with director general Leonardo, who worked with him as Coach at Milan.

The Giallorossi only just signed him for €10m from Milan after a year on loan, but are ready to sell for €8m.

Pandev Makes Napoli Move

Serie A club Napoli have secured the services of Inter Milan striker Goran Pandev on a loan deal.

Pandev will join the southern Italian side for one season after originally being linked with moves to Bundesliga club Schalke and Serie A outfit Genoa.

"I am very happy to be able to play the Champions League with a club like Napoli as they are a very important club," he told Sky Sports Italia.

Napoli reportedly missed out on securing a deal for Giuseppe Rossi from Villarreal, while Inter lose another striker following Samuel Eto'o's departure last week.

Diego Forlan is rumoured to be in line with a move to the San Siro from Atletico Madrid to fill one of the vacant striking roles.

Olympiakos Back In For Makoun

Skysports.com understands Olympiakos have revived their bid to sign Aston Villa midfielder Jean Makoun on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Villa rejected an offer for the Cameroon international earlier in the week as manager Alex McLeish is currently reluctant to lose any of his fringe players without bringing in replacements.

Makoun has yet to feature in the Premier League this season and was an unused substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Wolves.

He did start the Carling Cup success over Hereford United and admitted earlier in the week that he would be prepared to fight for his place at Villa Park.

However, it is understood that the January arrival from Lyon would also be keen on the possibility of a move to Greek giants Olympiakos.

UEFA Champions League football is on offer at Olympiakos, who have been drawn in the same group as Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille.

Makoun has started just seven games in the Premier League for Villa since being signed by McLeish's predecessor Gerard Houllier.

Recommendations for Barclays Premier League Matches (27 August 2011)

Chelsea (6th) vs Norwich (10th)

Juan Mata is unlikely to start Chelsea's Barclays Premier League match against Norwich on Saturday. But the Spain winger, who completed his move from Valencia on Wednesday, could be on the bench at Stamford Bridge. Fellow new boy Oriol Romeu is in contention to start, but the match comes slightly too soon for David Luiz (thigh), while Petr Cech and Michael Essien (both knee) remain sidelined and Daniel Sturridge serves the final instalment of his three-match ban.

Norwich will be without defender Daniel Ayala, who is set to miss up to eight weeks with a knee injury. Playmaker Wes Hoolahan (hamstring) will be monitored, centre-back Leon Barnett returns after a one-match ban, as manager Paul Lambert is set to make changes from the side thrashed 4-0 at home in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night. Striker James Vaughan and centre-half Elliott Ward are still sidelined after picking up minor knee injuries during pre-season.

Norwich have failed to register in five of the last seven games against Chelsea. The last two times Norwich have visited Stamford Bridge, they’ve run out 4-0 losers. Expect the same scoreline in tonight’s game as Chelsea will be too strong for the newly promoted side. I can see Chelsea winning this match easily by 3-0, 4-0 or 5-0.

Swansea (16th) vs Sunderland (13th)

Garry Monk and Ferrie Bodde are the only absentees as Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers goes in search of a first Barclays Premier League win against Sunderland on Saturday. Defender Monk is once again ruled out by an ongoing foot problem, although he played for the reserves on Thursday night, while midfielder Bodde has had treatment in Holland after suffering a niggle in his recovery from his most recent knee injury. Rodgers is expected to stick with the majority of the side that drew with Wigan Athletic last weekend after being unimpressed by the performance of those given a chance in the shock Carling Cup defeat at Shrewsbury.

Summer signing John O'Shea will make his competitive debut for Sunderland. The former Manchester United defender has finally shaken off the hamstring injury which has sidelined him for five weeks and manager Steve Bruce has indicated he will play at the Liberty Stadium as the Black Cats attempt to secure a first victory of the Barclays Premier League season. Bruce faces a decision over his goalkeepers after replacing Simon Mignolet with Keiren Westwood for the Carling Cup defeat at Brighton in midweek, but Craig Gordon, Fraizer Campbell and David Meyler (all knee) are still sidelined.

The sides have met six times with Swansea winning four and the other two ending in draws, although their last clash dates back to March 1983. Swansea are hard to beat at the Liberty Stadium, having not lost there in their last nine league games. Swansea, in my opinion, may just come away with all three points here.

Liverpool (5th) vs Bolton Wanderers (8th)

Liverpool will be without midfielder Raul Meireles for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match with Bolton at Anfield. Meireles suffered a collarbone injury in the Reds' Carling Cup second-round victory at Exeter City on Wednesday and manager Kenny Dalglish expects him to be sidelined for a few weeks. Dalglish will check on the condition of Glen Johnson (hamstring), while Steven Gerrard (groin) is still working his way back to fitness.

Marcos Alonso has become the latest Bolton defender to be hit by the club's injury jinx. The former Real Madrid man faces eight to 12 weeks out after suffering a broken metatarsal in the Carling Cup victory over Macclesfield. He joins Tyrone Mears (broken leg), Sam Ricketts (Achilles) and Gretar Steinsson on the sidelines, although the Icelander could come into contention for the visit to Anfield after suffering bruising to his foot against Manchester City. Tuncay Sanli will hope to retain his starting role after scoring on his debut against Macclesfield in midweek, but Ricardo Gardner may miss out again as he struggles to overcome a groin problem.

Liverpool have won nine out of the last 10 Premier League meetings between the two sides, and this will be their 10th consecutive victory if they should take three points from Bolton. The two teams have faced each other 58 times in league games at the Reds' home ground. The hosts have won 32, the opposition 10, while the remaining 16 ended in a draw. Kenny Dalglish's men have lost only one league game in their last 10 outings at Anfield. That defeat came towards the end of last season, when Tottenham managed to carve out a 2-0 victory. Liverpool looks odds on to beat Bolton but there is no value in it. Expects both team to score in this game, Liverpool win 2-1 or 3-1. Go light on Over 2.50 goals.

Arsenal Considering Move For Lucho Gonzalez

Arsenal is reportedly considering making a move for Marseille playmaker Lucho Gonzalez in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements.

According to The Telegraph, the north London club wants Gonzalez on a season-long loan, but Marseille would rather receive a fee of £5 million to ensure a permanent move to the Emirates Stadium.

Gonzalez, it is claimed, is could fill the void left by former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, who finally secured a move to Barcelona earlier this month.

The 30-year-old Argentina international, however, is just one of many potential acquisitions for Arsene Wenger as the Arsenal boss strives to replace both Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Marvin Martin of Sochaux is thought to be a player Wenger is seriously considering making a move for, while Arsenal have been credited with a bid for Rennes enforcer Yann M'Vila.

Wenger is also keen to sign a centre-back with experience in the Barclays Premier League, and it emerged on Friday Arsenal had made an offer for Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

Chelsea In Shock Swap Deal To Land Former Blue

Chelsea are considering a shock bid to bring Arjen Robben back to Stamford Bridge and they will offer Bayern Munich Florent Malouda to seal the deal.

Blues boss Andre-Villas Boas is eager to add some flair in wide areas of his team and he recently had a £17.5m bid rejected for Porto winger Alvaro Pereira, with the Primeira Liga champions insisting the Uruguayan was not for sale.

The Portuguese tactician is now considering his options and has turned his attention to former Blue Arjen Robben.

The flying Dutchman enjoyed a successful spell at the West London club from 2004 to 2007, in which he helped Chelsea win two Premier League crowns, a Carling Cup double and an FA Cup before he left for an ill fated spell at Real Madrid.

But the 27-year-old has arguably demonstrated the best form of his career since joining Bayern in 2009, and now his former London employers are plotting a sensational player-plus-cash bid involving Malouda in an attempt to re-sign the former Stamford Bridge favourite.

Villas-Boas left Malouda out of his starting line-up for Chelsea's first home game of the season but he brought him on in the first half - and was rewarded as the Frenchman netted the winner against West Brom.

But it is understood the former Porto chief is not keen on the 31-year-old attacker, who he believes is past his best.

Italian giants Juventus are understood to have enquired into the availability of Malouda earlier this week, but their interest could be in vain if Villas-Boas uses the Frenchman as bait to land Robben.

Newcastle Set For Crunch Talks Over Lyon Defender

Newcastle will hold crunch talks with Lyon this weekend to decide the future of defender Aly Cissokho.

According to reports in France, the two sides will meet in an attempt to finally agree on a fee for the 23-year-old, who could fly to Newcastle for a medical on Monday.

Lyon are holding out for £9m while Newcastle are still understood to be £2m short.

The French club is also keen to receive most of the money up front while Newcastle is hoping to base the fee around performance-related add-ons.

But with both sides keen to reach an agreement, they hope the weekend’s meeting will help to finalize the deal.

Liverpool Complete Deal For Uruguay Centre-Back

Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates has arrived on Merseyside to have his medical with Liverpool after Nacional accepted a £7million offer for the centre-back.

The fee has now been agreed between the two clubs and Liverpool are hopeful that the deal can be completed in the coming days as Coates completes his medical and discusses personal terms.

The 6ft 6ins defender was voted the young player of the tournament as Uruguay won the Copa America and has been hotly tipped to be a star of the future.

It is a major coup for Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish as the giant defender had been watched on a number of occasions by Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Despite being unable to offer European football, Liverpool have managed to convince the 20-year-old to choose Anfield, thanks in large to star striker Luis Suarez.

The prolific forward was instrumental in helping Uruguay win the Copa America and regularly told Coates of what it is like to to play in the Premier League.

The Reds have still not declared that the deal has been completed as they still need to obtain a work permit. This should not be too much of a problem as the defender played every game of the Copa America.

The defender also gave an emotional farewell to the supporters of Nacional as he revealed he would love to one day return to the club.

“For the fans I can only give words of gratitude, they have always treated me fantastically and supported me in the hardest times,” said Coates. “I will wear the Nacional jersey again, however, and I hope when this happens I get the same great backing.”

Arsenal Target Unsettled Man City Star As Next Signing

Arsenal is eyeing up a move for Manchester City's Adam Johnson as part of their recruitment drive.

The Gunners have left it late to do any serious business largely due to the uncertainty surrounding their European prospects this season. Following Wednesday night's 2-1 win over Italian side Udinese, their participation in the Champions League has been confirmed and the ability to attract top players has been made easier.

While moves for the likes of Real Madrid's Kaka, Lille's Eden Hazard and Rennes' Yann M'Vila have been touted, manager Arsene Wenger has long held Johnson in high regard. He tried to sign him before he went to City but now with the player far from guaranteed a first team place at the Etihad Stadium, he could be more successful this time round.

Ironically, it is the arrival of a player from Arsenal that has cast the former Middlesbrough player's future in doubt after Samir Nasri joined the big-spending club earlier this week for £24m. Johnson recently stated that he was happy at the club but he will know that his international ambitions will be hindered should he find himself regularly warming the bench for his club.

A bid of £14m is likely to be enough to bring him to London.

Wright-Phillips Set For Move Talks

Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is to hold discussions with QPR and two other clubs over a potential move, his agent has confirmed.

The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium as a result of their huge investment on players in recent years.

Wright-Phillips has also been linked heavily with Bolton over the summer. Agent Wayne Lindsay told Press Association Sport: "There have been three bids accepted, one from QPR, and at some point he will be speaking to all those clubs."

Wright-Phillips is one of a number of players at City, also including Craig Bellamy, Nedum Onuoha, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz, who appear surplus to requirements.

All could potentially move on before next Wednesday's transfer deadline while another player, Emmanuel Adebayor, joined Tottenham on loan on Thursday.

England international Wright-Phillips rejoined City for a second spell in 2008 in the hope of reviving his career after a frustrating three years with Chelsea.

Yet despite a good relationship with current City boss Roberto Mancini, he has been unable to win a regular first-team place.

Arsenal And Tottenham Fight For Highly-Rated Ajax Midfielder

Arsenal and Tottenham are set to fight it out for highly-rated Ajax midfielder Vurnon Anita, according to sources in Holland.

The Holland international was an key member of the Ajax side that clinched their first league triumph in seven years last season and his impressive form has seemingly not gone unnoticed in North London.

Ajax has been approached by Arsenal and Tottenham over the availability of the youngster, who predominantly operates as a holding midfielder.

The Amsterdam club is reluctant to part with Anita and tied him down to a new two-year deal in May but there is a £12m release clause stipulated in his contract.

The 22-year-old's previous deal was due to expire next summer and he was previously linked with a move to Liverpool for as little as £6million.

Anita, a youth product at the Eredivisie club, made his Ajax debut in March 2006 before establishing himself as a regular in the side at the start of the 2009/10 campaign.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has turned his attention to Anita having growing frustrated in his pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

While Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has money to burn following Cesc Fabregas's £30m departure to Barcelona and the £24m sale of Samir Nasri to Manchester City.

Barton Completes QPR Switch

Midfielder Joey Barton has become Queens Park Rangers' first signing since their takeover by Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, the Premier League club said on Friday.

Barton, who was released by Newcastle United in the close-season, signed a four-year deal with the west London outfit who were promoted to the top flight as second tier champions last season.

"It's been quite a whirlwind, so to get things finally sorted and draw a line under it all is a great relief," Barton said on the club website.

"The ambition of the club really impressed me.

"The gaffer is talking about adding two or three more bodies and that, combined with the potential of the club and the new owners' ambitions, bodes really well for the future."

Barton, who won his first and only England cap in 2007, is no stranger to controversy and was jailed for assault in 2008 while at Newcastle.

The 28-year-old was also given a suspended four-month sentence for attacking team mate Ousmane Dabo in 2007 during a spell at Manchester City.

"He's coming here to show people what he can do. He wants to get back into the England team," QPR manager Neil Warnock said on the club website.

"He's very enthusiastic. People will say one or two things about him, but they've said stuff about me in the past too, so I won't worry about that."

Fernandes, who is also owner of the Team Lotus Formula One outfit and AirAsia airline, completed his QPR takeover last week and promised to take the club to new heights.

QPR have been linked in the British media with moves for Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker.

Gago Set For Roma Talks

Roma have beaten Manchester City to the services of Fernando Gago, report Sky Sport Italia.

Real Madrid’s Argentine has been linked with the Giallorossi in recent days and it seems that an agreement has been virtually reached.

It’s understood that the international’s agent is on his way to Italy in an effort to conclude negotiations.

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini did admit after the Europa League exit to Slovan Bratislava that he was working on signing some new midfielders.

Fiorentina’s Riccardo Montolivo has also been paired, even if the Viola insists they’ll only sell him to a foreign club.

Estigarribia Has Juve Medical

Le Mans midfielder Marcelo Estigarribia has undergone a medical with Serie A side Juventus.

The Le Mans midfielder is believed to have passed medicals with two other clubs, one of which is thought to be fellow Serie A side Lecce, after arriving in Italy on Wednesday.

However, the Paraguay international, who has also attracted interest from Rangers following his impressive displays in the Copa America this summer, has set his heart on a move to Turn.

Estigarribia has spent the last 18 months on loan at Newell's Old Boys after out-growing Le Mans, who was relegated from Ligue 1 in 2010.

The French club has negotiated a €5million deal with Juventus, but the player may initially move on loan.

Santa Cruz Off To Spain

Sky Sports sources understand that Roque Santa Cruz is to undergo a medical at Real Betis on Saturday.

The Manchester City striker has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, with it clear that he has no future at Eastlands.

The Paraguayan has slowly slipped down the pecking order at City since signing from Blackburn in 2009.

Having found himself out of favour, Roque Santa Cruz returned to Ewood Park on loan last season.

He was unable to earn a permanent move to Rovers but is expected to be offloaded by City before the transfer window slams shut.

Betis have been touted as his most likely destination, and they are closing in on a deal.

The Primera Liga new boys are looking to piece together a squad that is capable of keeping them in the Spanish top flight and believe Santa Cruz could provide the goals to see them safe.

Juventus Announce Giaccherini Swoop

Emanuele Giaccherini is officially a Juventus player after he completed his move from Cesena.

The 26-year-old, who can play as a wide midfielder or a second striker, passed his medical this morning before putting pen to paper this afternoon.

Juventus agreed to hand over €6m to Cesena – to be paid over a period of three years – for the player’s registration.

However, the two clubs then agreed a co-ownership deal which will see Cesena pay €3m to the Old Lady – again over the course of three years.

Spurs Close In On Falque

Tottenham are close to signing Juventus midfielder Iago Falque.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is reported to have flown in to London for a medical and could complete a season-long loan in the next 24 hours.

Falque started his professional career at Barcelona before moving to Juventus, where he has been loaned out to Bari and Villarreal B over the last two seasons.

"Iago loves big challenges and this with Spurs is very important," the player's agent and father Iago Falque Snr is quoted as saying on skysports.com.

"It will be hard, but he will fight for his place."

Falque, a Spain Under-21 international, is poised to be the third youngster to arrive at White Hart Lane this summer following the signings of former Barcelona player Cristian Ceballos and 16-year-old Souleymane Coulibaly from Siena.

Spurs are short of options in midfield thanks to injuries to the likes of Sandro, Steven Pienaar and unsettled star Luka Modric.

Arsenal Edge Closer To Signing Long-Term Serie A Midfield Target

Arsenal look set to swoop for Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo after a falling out with his employers and declining the offer of a new contract at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The Italy international has been a target for Arsenal for some time with Arsene Wenger having enquired about his availability in the past only to be quoted prices that were previously out of his price range. Now with £60m of transfer fees collected through the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri money is less of an issue - as is the fact that he has just one year remaining on his contract - and Wenger will be buoyed by comments emanating from the Serie A club.

"Montolivo doesnt believe in the Fiorentina project," Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino told reporters. "As a result, the player will be sold abroad."

Wenger has been understandably coy regarding his transfer targets largely so as not to inflate the asking price but also because their participation in this season's Champions League was not assured until their 2-1 victory over Udinese on Wednesday night. In fact, 'Le Professeur' had sought to play down any approach for either the 26-year-old or Lazio's Mauro Zarate though fell short of ruling out an approach.

"Zarate and Montolivo? No, there is absolutely nothing from us," the Arsenal manager said at the press-conference prior to the second leg of their Champions League playoff.

"But even if we were interested, I would not say."

Judging by that last line, expect a bid for the player sooner rather than later.

Chelsea Make Swap Offer For Liverpool’s Raul Meireles

Chelsea have made a counter-offer to Liverpool’s bid to swap striker Daniel Sturridge for midfielder Raul Meireles, by offering Salomon Kalou instead.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to be reunited with Meireles after they worked together at FC Porto.

AVB sees the 28-year-old as a younger alternative to Frank Lampard and hopes the Portuguese international can add more creativity and direction to Chelsea’s midfield.

Liverpool were willing to let him go to one of their rivals as long as hot-prospect Sturridge came in the opposite direction.

But Villas-Boas has been impressed by the 21-year-old and will include him in his first-team plans this season.

The Chelsea manager will instead offer Ivory Coast international Kalou instead who has fallen out of favour after a string of indifferent displays in pre-season and in the opening fixtures of the Premier League.

Reds fans do not want to see Meireles go as he was voted PFA Fans Player of the Year last season, but manager Kenny Dalglish needs to offload before he can enter into the market again.

The Scot has spent money strengthening his midfield but still wants a centre-half and a striker to complete his activity for the summer.

He has been linked with moves for Kevin Doyle and Craig Bellamy but it is unclear how excited he is about the prospect of taking Kalou.

Arsenal To Battle Inter Milan Over Transfer Of Argentina Hitman

Arsenal will face competition for the signature of Mauro Zarate from Inter Milan should Lazio decide to cash in on their man.

The Gunners have been tracking the 24-year-old ever since he spent four-months on loan at Birmingahm City in 2008. The Argentine ace impressed in the Premier League but Arsenal did not follow up on their initial interest.

Now they are looking to add the player to their ranks with Lazio willing to sell should a club match their £20m asking price though they have been delayed in making an offer due to the ongoing transfer sagas surrounding Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, both of which have now been concluded. However, they may see their move hijacked by Inter Milan are keen for him to replace the departed Samuel Eto'o according to his agent Giuseppe Bozzo.

"Zarate is no ordinary player," Bozzo is quoted as saying by Sport Italia. "He's an important one for [Lazio] president Claudio Lotito and the fans. Mauro is very attached to the Lazio shirt and he'll remain if no side demonstrates a concrete interest in his services.

"Now Inter have shown an interest in him and a decision will be taken calmly. The Inter offer was made to me and not Lotito. It's an option that could transform into a negotiation. However, it is obvious that the two clubs would have to sit down and talk about it."

Having qualified for the group stages 0f the Champions League, Arsenal's hand will have been strengthened. However, they will have to move quickly if they are to get their man.

Alberto Aquilani Completes Loan Move To AC Milan

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani will return to Italy with AC Milan for the rest of the season after agreeing a loan move to the San Siro.

The former Roma player moved to Anfield in 2009 but struggled to make an impact in the Barclays Premier League and was allowed to spend the 2010/11 campaign back in Serie A with Juventus.

Now Milan have moved for the 27-year-old Italy international, with the deal only now hinging on the outcome of a medical.

Liverpool announced on their official website that an option has been negotiated to make the move permanent in the future.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli said: "I want to pay tribute to the way Alberto has conducted himself during these discussions.

"Throughout the entire process, his only desire has been to play football and he has put this ahead of any other considerations and at personal cost to himself. We wish him well for the season ahead."

Spurs Sign Emmanuel Adebayor On Loan

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor on a season-long loan.

The Togolese international has scored 81 goals in 186 appearances for both Arsenal and Manchester City since he arrived in the Premier League from French side Monaco.

Spurs fans will also, not too fondly, remember that Adebayor was on loan at Real Madrid for the second-half last season.

The six foot three forward scored twice against Tottenham at the Bernabeu when Los Blancos beat them 4-0 on the night in the Champions League quarter-final.

Arsenal's Vito Mannone May Head To Chievo On Loan

Arsenal are discussing a loan move with Italian side Chievo for goalkeeper Vito Mannone, according to Talksport.

Chievo are looking for a keeper this summer, and with Mannone allowed to head out on loan, the club are hoping that a season long deal can be arranged.

Arsenal already have Wojciech Szczesny in the starting position as goalkeeper, and the London club are happy to let Mannone to continue being loaned away from the Gunners.

Mannone is only 23-years-old, and Arsenal reportedly see the youngster as a future European talent. But the club want to allow him to get as much game experience as possible, and see him being in the Serie A as good preparation for European football.

Mannone spent the last season on loan from Arsenal at Hull, but only made 10 appearances for the npower Championship side.

Newcastle Raid Eredivisie For Defender Transfer

Newcastle United have agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven to sign left back Erik Pieters, according to the player's agent.

"Newcastle's interest is very serious and Erik finds the club a real challenge," said Piet van der Pol to the Dutch press.

"I don't know the exact numbers of Newcastle's offer, but I'm pretty sure that the transfer will go ahead."

Pieters will be a direct replacement for Jose Enrique, who moved to Liverpool earlier in the summer, and will become part of a radically reshuffled squad at St James' Park.

Keirrison Joins Cruzeiro From Barcelona

Barcelona striker Keirrison has been loaned to Cruzeiro - his fifth loan adventure since joining the Catalan club in 2009.

The 22-year-old has failed to make his mark anywhere since moving from Palmeiras to Spain and will be hoping this latest venture to Belo Horizonte proves more successful.

Before moving to Spain, Keirrison was one of the most sought after players in Brazil as he topped the Campeonato scoring charts in 2008 and averaged over a goal every two games for Coritiba.

However, he was loaned out to Benfica and then Fiorentina - both unsuccessful spells - before returning home to Brazil to join Santos.

Even a return to his native country did not help, however, and he will now be hoping to rediscover his goal-scoring form with Cruzeiro.

He has until the end of 2011 to prove himself in Belo Horizonte and he will hope to have impressed both Barcelona and other potential suitors by that time.

Roma Sign Osvaldo for €15m

Roma have completed their signing of Pablo Daniel Osvaldo from Espanyol for €15m plus performance-related bonuses.

The Italian striker of Argentine descent touched down in Rome today and will be in the stands for tonight’s Europa League game against Slovan Bratislava.

He underwent his medical and the Giallorossi released a statement confirming “a contract has been signed with Espanyol for the permanent acquisition of Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.”

The announcement revealed €15m will be paid over three years, plus a series of performance-related bonuses.

Espanyol will receive €1m if Roma qualify for the Champions League in one of the seasons from 2011-12 to 2015-16.

A further €0.25m for every 25 appearances in official games for a maximum of €1m, plus €0.25m for every 10 goals scored for a maximum of €0.5m.

Osvaldo has signed a four-year contract with Roma worth €3.6m for the first season, working up to €4.47m in 2015-16.