Arsenal Expected To Complete Deal For Real Madrid Wonderkid

Arsenal are close to completing a deal for Real Madrid youngster Jose Rodriguez with the Daily Mail even suggesting that the 16-year-old has already been to London to check on the clubs facilities.

Rodriguez was brought to the attention of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger by the clubs chief scout in Spain Francisco Cagigao who suggested the club attempt to lure the midfielder away from Real Madrid.

Wenger has already brought Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin to Arsenal from Barcelona over the summer while central defender Ignasi Miquel is a regular for the Spain Under 19's.

Now Arsenal plan to bring Rodriguez to the club and are hoping to convince the Spain Under-17 star to choose north London, despite interest from a number of Spanish clubs.

The player has reportedly been to the capital to check on Arsenal's training ground and has also spoken to Cesc Fabregas who has advised him to make the move to the Premier League.

During his time in England, Rodriguez was offered a deal with the Gunners and was also told that he would have the opportunity to play first team football within two seasons.

Madrid cannot offer the player a professional contract until he turns 17, but have already become destined to the fact that he looks likely to choose a move to Arsenal.

Tottenham Tempted By Aston Villa’s High Flyer

Tottenham Hotspur is keeping tabs on Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and are tempted to make an offer in January.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is looking to sign a permanent hit-man but has been left frustrated as he is constantly being priced out of the market.

He has long been impressed by Agbonlahor, who has made an excellent start to the season scoring four goals in seven games.

The 25-year-old has struggled with injury last season but seems to have shaken off the niggles.

He has lost his place in the England squad, but wants it back, and knows a move to an elite club with European football on offer will help.

But Tottenham’s attempts to steal him away from Villa Park could be ended by the Midlands’ side valuation of £20million.

Agbonlahor has four years left on his contract and Villa would not want to lose another star so soon after losing Stewart Downing and Ashley Young.

Nevertheless Redknapp will test their resolve with a bid in January but will have more of a chance at the end of the season.

Chelsea Line Up Move For South American Defender

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is looking to step up his pursuit of a defender and is keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid's Diego Godwin.

According to reports in The Sun, Chelsea will raise the money for Godwin by selling Brazilian defender Alex.

Both Tottenham and Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Alex when the transfer window re-opens which would enable the west London club to make their move for the Uruguay international.

In the past former Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti had a £15million bid for Godwin rejected last January.

However it is believed the new Chelsea manager is preparing to go back in for the 25-year-old when the transfer window opens in the New Year with a bid in the region of £20m.

United Keen On Krasic

Milos Krasic's agent has claimed Manchester United have been monitoring the Juventus winger for the past two years.

Krasic, 26, joined Juve in 2010 after impressing for his former club CSKA Moscow, and the midfielder caught the eye in his debut campaign in Italy, scoring six goals and laying on as many assists in Serie A.

The Serbia international's agent, Dejan Joksimovic, told tuttomercatoweb.com: "Manchester United have been interested in Krasic for two years.

"They like the player but no negotiations have taken place. Every day Krasic is rumoured to be departing Juventus but, currently, there are no signs of this happening."

Arsenal Boss Set For £50m Transfer Splurge

Arsene Wenger is reportedly contemplating how best to use his significant transfer kitty when the window opens again in January.

According to The Telegraph, Wenger will have £50 million at his disposal to spend on player recruitment and the renewal of existing contracts.

Majority Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke is reported to have told Wenger he can use the cash however best suits, and the Emirates Stadium is likely to be a hub of transfer activity come the New Year.

Robin van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen and Theo Walcott will all be out of contract in 2013 so the Arsenal boss will use at least some of the £50 million to ensure they further their respective stays with the club.

Wenger, meanwhile, is also expected to further reinforce his Arsenal midfield following the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the summer.

Arsenal acquired Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun on deadline day in order to compensate for the loss, but are still in need of further numbers in that department.

Yann M'Vila, Eden Hazard and Mario Gotze have all been mentioned as potential targets for the Gunners.

Tottenham's Defender Wanted By London Rivals

Newly promoted London club QPR are hoping to convince Tottenham to part with out-of-favour defender Sebastien Bassong in the January transfer window.

QPR boss Neil Warnock is a known admirer of the former Newcastle defender and attempted to persuade Tottenham to sell them the centre-back in the summer but the deal fell through when the north London club where unable to sign Bolton's Gary Cahill.

Warnock is set to meet with QPR owner Tony Fernandes in the coming days to discuss potential targets and a defender seems the most urgent with QPR's last game ending in a 6-0 loss at Fulham.

“We have already begun talking about what we are going to do in January and have a number of ideas,” admitted Warnock.

“There are so many things that are possibilities and if I ask for a certain player, the board will support me. At the moment, a striker and a defender are my two priorities.

“We are looking abroad, as well as in this country. We would be silly not to, because Tony has all these contacts. We haven’t got a big enough squad, but we just have to keep going now until January and look to improve again.”

“Tony has given me great support. I couldn’t wish for more backing from him since he arrived," said Warnock. “People should know that we are still in the infancy of what we are trying to do.”

Bassong has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham with Ledley King, Michael Dawson, William Gallas and Younes Kaboul all ahead of him and is keen to secure a move away from Spurs to gain regular first team football.

Allardyce Hopeful On Tevez Loan Deal

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce feels he still has an "outside chance'' of bringing Carlos Tevez back to Upton Park.

Tevez returned to training at Manchester City on Thursday following his suspension for apparently refusing to go on as a substitute against Bayern Munich a fortnight ago.

The controversial striker's future at Eastlands remains uncertain, while West Ham has already had an initial enquiry about a possible loan move knocked back.

But Allardyce is monitoring the situation and has not given up hope of Tevez returning to the club he originally joined in 2006 along with fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano.

When asked if there was any possibility of landing Tevez, Allardyce said: "The answer is I don't know. I suppose the situation, from my point of view, is just if and when the decision is finally made regarding what's happening with Carlos at Manchester City, then perhaps my co-chairman David Sullivan might want to pursue it.

"That would be with my blessing, obviously. [Sullivan] was the man who talked about it with me first and if we could get him back here, based on what he did here last time and if he did love the club as much as he did, and if it was a possibility, then I think it's an outside chance. We'll wait and see.''

Tevez was a huge favourite during his one season at West Ham, scoring seven goals including the strike which kept them up at Manchester United on the final day of the campaign.

He was named the club's player of the year and the first time he returned to Upton Park as a United player, he saluted the crowd by crossing his arms in a 'Hammers' gesture.

Toon Plot January Swoop For Celtic Striker

Newcastle United is lining up a £5m January transfer offer for Celtic striker Gary Hooper according to the Sun.

The 23-year-old began his career in non-league football playing for Grays Athletic, before being snapped up by Southend United in 2006.

Hooper progressed through the divisions with loan spells at Leyton Orient and Hereford United, before joining Scunthorpe United in 2008 for an initial fee of £125,000.

Two years later, Hooper earned a big-money move to Celtic, heading to Parkhead in a £2.4million deal.

After scoring on his Hoops debut in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against Braga, the Englishman endeared himself to Bhoys fans, and finished his first season under manager Neil Lennon as Celtic's top goalscorer.

His form at Celtic Park has drawn calls for Hooper to be handed an international call-up, and whilst the player retains an ambition to play for England, he has previously admitted that playing in Scotland may be a hindrance to his international aspirations.

If reported interest from Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is true, then Hooper will likely relish the prospect of a return to England, with the St James' Park platform on which to ply his trade in the Barclays Premier League, giving him a more realistic chance of achieving his England goal.

Newcastle and Celtic have a strong relationship having agreed to a number of player exchanges in the past - the most recent involving a season-long loan deal for Fraser Forster who returned to Parkhead for a second spell this summer.

The Magpies will be looking to tap into that relationship, with a view to securing Hooper's signature, as they look to conclude their search for a striker in January.

Inter Join Cahill Chase

Juventus aren’t the only Serie A side tracking Gary Cahill, as Inter also show interest in the Bolton and England defender.

The centre-back is already hot property on the Premier League transfer market after Tottenham’s bid was rejected.

Spurs will try again in January, especially as his contract expires in June 2012.

Juve had been linked in the last few weeks, but the 25-year-old is now a main target for Inter as well.

New Coach Claudio Ranieri has pin-pointed the centre-back as a valuable addition to his ageing squad.

It is believed the Nerazzurri would offer around €12m for Cahill.

Eto'o Linked With Inter Loan

Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto'o is reported to be keen on a two-month loan return to Inter Milan in January.

Eto'o left for Anzhi in a £20 million deal this summer but, as the Russian championship breaks in January and February and Cameroon have failed to qualify for the African Nations Cup, he would be free for a brief return.

The Gazzetta dello Sport claims Eto'o has been in touch with Inter president Massimo Moratti to offer his services as the club still have a vacant non-EU spot. Should the move go ahead, he could feasibly feature in nine Serie A games and a Champions League tie.

Inter have struggled in the striker's absence, taking just four points from five Serie A games in what has been their worst start to a season in 28 years.

"Eto'o is one of the strongest players in the world," former Inter striker Alessandro Altobelli told the Corriere dello Sport. "He can't be replaced.

"His exit is a problem for Inter because Eto'o, especially last season, covered up their problems with his goals. Without him those difficulties have surfaced. Someone like him made a difference in Italy."

Eto'o, 30, scored 37 goals in all competitions for Inter last season.

Newcastle Join Tottenham In Race To Sign Blackburn Winger

Newcastle is the latest club to be linked with Blackburn winger Junior Hoilett just one day after Tottenham was also linked with a move for the talented youngster.

Blackburn are determined to keep hold of the 21-year-old and have entered negotiations about a new contract for the midfielder.

Hoilett has been one of the brightest stars for Blackburn over the past two seasons, despite the club struggling at the wrong end of the table.

This impressive form has led to both Spurs and Newcastle keeping a close eye on contract negotiations as Hoilett's current deal expires in the summer.

Blackburn hope they can convince the winger to stay at Ewood Park, but are hoping that if they are forced to sell then he signs a new deal in which there would be a release clause in the contract.

The same was done with Manchester United defender Phil Jones who had a £16.5million clause inserted in the last deal he signed with Blackburn.

Newcastle has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season and currently sits in fourth place, while Tottenham have won their last four Premier League games.

Spurs view the winger as potential competition for Aaron Lennon who has so far struggled to recreate his best form, while Newcastle are keen to bring another young player to their squad after the success of Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Tottenham Striker Set For Shock Premiership Switch

Queens Park Rangers are set to offer Tottenham misfit Roman Pavlyuchenko a second chance in the Premiership, according to reports on Footylatest.com.

The Russian international striker seems surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane having only started four games for the club this season and scoring one goal.

However he is unhappy at playing with Tottenham's second string side in the Carling Cup and the Europa League.

It was reported last week that Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund were interested in Pavlyuchenko.

Now it seems the 29-year-old is going to be offered a lifeline to stay in the Premiership with QPR willing to bring him to Loftus Road to strengthen their forward line.

So far this season QPR have scored only five goals in eight games, and it is believed that Tony Fernandes is willing to offer Tottenham £10million for Pavlyuchenko.

Manchester United Target French Full-Back

Manchester United has reportedly targeted Lyon defender Aly Cissokho as the long-term replacement for current first-choice left-back Patrice Evra.

Evra has been a mainstay in the United line-up since moving from Monaco in 2006 but, at 30 years of age, his future at Old Trafford is not a long one.

And according to footybunker.com, United are considering a move for Cissokho next summer as his long-term successor.

The 24-year-old full-back was heavily linked with Arsenal and Liverpool during the summer with both clubs eager to fill the left-back slot.

However, both sides were reportedly put off by Lyon's asking price - thought to be in the region of £17m - so decided on other options.

Cissokho has established himself as one of the most highly-rated defenders in Ligue 1 since moving to Lyon in 2009.

Arsenal Prepare Shock Move For Belgian Midfield Starlet

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is lining up a move for Brescia midfielder Omar El Kaddouri, according to reports in The Metro.

The former Anderlecht youngster is currently at Serie B side Brescia and his impressive displays this season have sparked interest with a number of Serie A clubs keen including Napoli and Palermo.

However it is reported that Premier League side Arsenal are the favourites to acquire the services of the 20-year-old Belgian.

Speaking recently El Kaddouri said: "I am flattered by the interest shown by those clubs but it is not official to me yet so I can't say anything.

"I have heard through newspapers, so I am relaxed. I just want to continue to play good for Brescia and once January comes we will all see what will happen.

"Being linked with Arsenal? They play the good football I like and Mr. Wenger gives a chance to any young players and likes technical players like me.

"Brescia has been good to me and I love this place but once interest is shown by some teams you have to think about it."

Tottenham's Midfielder Still Wanted By Sevilla

Sevilla are still interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Giovani dos Santos after they narrowly missed out on his signature in the summer.

The Spanish club came close to securing a £7m deal for dos Santos before Spurs blocked the move, a decision that led to a public attack on the club by the Mexico international.

Having been frozen out of Tottenham's first-team plans in recent seasons, dos Santos was eager to move in search of regular playing time.

He has enjoyed more chances with Spurs this season and has made six appearances so far, although it is thought he will seek a move unless he can establish himself as a member of the starting XI.

And Sevilla appear ready to offer him the chance of a fresh start after the club's sporting director, Ramon Rodriguez, admitted they were still interested in the 22-year-old.

"We must find a player who is right for us and is right economically," Rodriguez said.

"Dos Santos? He fits the profile of the player we're looking for, but it all depends on the willingness of the boy and Tottenham."

Arsenal To Make January Approach For Unsettled Juventus Star

Arsenal has reportedly expressed an interest in signing Juventus winger Milos Kraisc, who is thought to be seeking a move away from the Italian club.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners, along with Manchester City, have made contact with Krasic's representatives about his availability ahead of the January transfer window.

It is thought City are considering a swap deal that would involve Carlos Tevez heading in the opposite direction with the Eastlands club aware of Juve's interest in their want-away striker.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could be offered their own swap deal opportunity with Juve coach Antonio Conte a known admirer of Gunners winger Theo Walcott.

Speculation has been rife linking Krasic with a move away from Juve with him appearing to fall out of favour with Conte.

Following his €15m move from CSKA Moscow last summer, the Serbia international played an integral part of Juve's 2010 season. He has been capped 43 times by his country.

Barcelona Plan Move To Sign Arsenal & Chelsea Defensive Pair

Barcelona have put Ashley Cole at the top of their transfer hit-list.

Coach Pep Guardiola’s priority is a left-back and Chelsea’s Cole fits the bill – if Barca can get him for around £12million.

Cole, 30, is ­Guardiola’s first choice, but now he must convince Barca president Sandro Rosell to make a move.

The European champions are long-term admirers of Tottenham’s Welsh winger Gareth Bale – but his sky-high price tag has left them believing Cole is a better option.

England star Cole was a target for Real Madrid last summer and was interested then in moving to Spain. But Chelsea held firm and refused to sell him.

Now Barcelona are ready to test their resolve again in the summer.

The Spaniards also want a keeper, and Guardiola is an admirer of Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny.

Everton Identify £4m Argentine Striker As Top January Target

Everton are keeping tabs on Catania striker Maxi Lopez who has been put up for sale by the Serie A club.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined by coach Vincenzo Montello this season and there are no signs he will be welcomed back into the first-team.

The ex-Argentina U20 international scored 10 goals in 32 appearances last season, and 11 in 17 the campaign before, but has lost his place to Gonzalo Bergessio.

A number of clubs are interested in Lopez, with Lazio, Novara and Wolverhampton Wanderers also keen on the hit-man.

Everton boss David Moyes will hope the challenge of playing in the Premier League will be enough to convince Lopez to join the Toffees.

Moyes is in desperate need of more attacking options with Louis Saha expected to leave the club at the end of the season following a bust-up with the manager.

With Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford leaving the club last summer, the Scotsman needs more strikers and will offer £4million for Lopez’s signature.

Lopez will have the chance to link up with fellow Argentine Denis Stracqualursi who moved to Goodison Park in the last window but is yet to make an impression.

Tottenham Plan £15m January Bid To Sign Chelsea Pair

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is reportedly readying a bid to sign Chelsea pair Didier Drogba and Alex in January. The White Hart Lane boss will make a hopeful bid for the duo when the transfer window re-opens as he looks to beef up his squad in the pursuit of a coveted top four spot.

Talks between Chelsea and Drogba over a new contract have reportedly broken down and the Ivory Coast international will be out of contract in the summer with a number of club’s keen on the veteran striker. The Blues may elect to cash in on the 33 year old in January to avoid losing the Blues man for free next summer. With that in mind Tottenham will offer up to £6m to avoid having to run the gauntlet of many sides able to offer a higher salary when his deal ends.

The likes of PSG, Bayern Munich and Marseille have all been linked with the striker who has netted an impressive 145 goals in 252 starts since his move to Stamford Bridge in July 2004.

Some reports have suggested that Drogba may well consider offers from Premier League sides as he has settled in the UK and could feel that a move across to North London may be a new challenge he would be interested in. He would also feel confident of securing regular first team football, something he can not be guaranteed at Chelsea.

Andre Villas-Boas had started the season with Fernando Torres as his first choice striker and then showed his faith in youth by selecting England Under 21 international Daniel Sturridge after he had completed his suspension. The likes of Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku are other young alternatives that may also lead the likes of Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou to consider their futures at the West London club.

Tottenham are also interested in Brazilian centre back Alex and hope to lure the 29 year old with the promise of first team football. The former PSV Eindhoven man has struggled to convince a string of Chelsea boss’s of his worth since his move to the club in 2007.

The powerfully built defender with a penchant for long range free-kicks is behind the likes of John Terry and David Luiz in Andre Villas-Boas’s thinking and has made just two Premier League appearances thus far this season.

Spurs Prepare To Make Shock Move For Man United Defender

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is set to step up his pursuit of a new central defender and has pin pointed Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, according to reports on Caughtoffside.com.

So far this season Ferdinand has made only six appearances for Manchester United with four of those coming in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old, England international has suffered with injuries and has seen Chris Smalling and Phil Jones move ahead of him at Old Trafford and in the England set up.

Over the past couple of weeks Ferdinand has been linked with a move to MLS side Chicago Fire. However it is now believed Tottenham boss Redknapp is keen to link up with Ferdinand after the pair worked together at West Ham.

Spurs are currently on the look out for a top class defender after letting Jonathan Woodgate go on a free to Stoke in the summer and injury concerns over Ledley King, William Gallas and Michael Dawson.

Ferdinand will only have a year remaining on his current deal at Manchester United at the end of the current campaign and Redknapp feels he could get the defender for a cut price deal.