Chelsea confirm Shaun Wright-Phillips' interest

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has confirmed that West Ham have asked about winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The England man is rumoured to be a £10m target for the Hammers, and Kenyon has confirmed that a call has been made from Upton Park about Wright-Phillips.

He moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City for £21m two years ago but has failed to hold down a regular starting place with the Blues.

England boss Steve McClaren has voiced his concerns that he is not playing regular football, with Tottenham's Aaron Lennon overtaking him in the international reckoning.

Kenyon has now confirmed that the Hammers are interested, saying: "We have had some interest from West Ham but not an official offer.

"We are not looking to sell players but if we receive an official offer then we will review the situation, that's what we do as a matter of course.

"The interest came in the context of the pre-takeover period at West Ham in terms of whether there was any possibility of something happening and that funds may be available if the takeover went through.

"Any discussion about figures is purely speculative as there has not been an offer."

If Chelsea make it clear they are willing to sell, West Ham are unlikely to be the only team interested in the diminutive winger.

ITV Football

Anelka Not For Sale - Allardyce

Sam Allardyce has slapped a not-for-sale notice on goal-shy striker Nicolas Anelka.

The French international tackles former club Arsenal on Saturday having so far failed to find the net in Premiership combat for Bolton since his club record £8million arrival from Fenerbahce this summer.

Anelka's lack of goals has led to fevered speculation that his nomadic career may see him quit the Reebok Stadium, with French champions Lyon among the clubs being touted as showing an interest.

But Allardyce insists there has been no contact from Lyon boss Gerard Houllier, or club president Jean-Michel Aulas, whose public acknowledgement of admiration for Anelka has brought a swift rebuke from the Trotters chief.

"If the president of Lyon did say he was interested in Nicolas without speaking to us, then he is out of order," said Allardyce.

"We have had no contact with anyone about Nicolas. Even if we did, the answer would be no."

Allardyce also rebuffed reports linking club skipper Kevin Nolan with Everton, although he did admit he always approaches the mid-season transfer window with some trepidation.

"Transfer windows worry me, especially if it is a big football club who is being linked with my player," he said.

"It is a great difficulty for me because it could end up leading to a fall out with a player who is doing well for us at that particular moment in time.

"But speculation is bound to surface more and more at this time or year and there is very little we can do about it."

Allardyce's dealings in the transfer market have been so prolific down the years Bolton are usually the ones being linked with players.

Former England skipper David Beckham is the latest name to be raised in connection with the north-west outfit, rumours Allardyce dismissed as 'pie in the sky'.

After seeing his side lose five of their last six outings in all competitions, Allardyce has more immediate demands on his attention, especially as champions Chelsea are due at the Reebok four days after Arsene Wenger's men visit.

And he did reveal Anelka's lack of goals was starting to cause a bit of concern around the Reebok given Bolton's poor recent form, which has seen them slump from third to sixth in the Premiership table.

"Nicolas' overall contribution has been very good but because we are not winning matches people are bound to make more of the fact he has not scored," he said.

"It would be a fantastic game for Nicolas to score his first Premiership goal for us against Arsenal," he said.

"But if he gets one it has to be the winner, otherwise it does not mean anything."

Bolton have an impressive recent record against Arsenal. The Lancashire outfit have not been beaten by the Gunners on home soil in the league since 2002 and were 30 seconds away from recording three straight wins against the Londoners last term until Gilberto Silva's last-gasp leveller at Highbury.

More often than not, Bolton's robust approach leads to complaints from Wenger, although Allardyce is happy the words are born solely of bitterness.

"I think we have found the secret of playing against them," he smiled.

"Most Premiership clubs who play the way we do against them get results and hopefully it will work again.

"We will get in amongst them, close them down, get in their faces."

Kevin Davies is bound to be a key figure in Bolton's plans, although, at a time when there is a demand for the divers and cheats to be punished, Allardyce is concerned at the lack of protection for his 'honest' front-man.

"People keep talking about simulation but it doesn't work the other way round," he said.

"Kevin has never simulated anything but he gets over-punished for his physical approach.

"I have pointed that out to (referee's chief) Keith Hackett on many occasions but it doesn't change anything.

"Kevin gets elbowed, tripped and pushed and still stays on his feet but he never gets free-kicks and I have all the DVDs to prove it."

Sporting Life

Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge has signed a new four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Bridge told his club's official website: "I feel as though I'm playing well this season. I believe that I will continue to get opportunities.

"It's been a great week for me and I'm delighted to have signed."

Football Transfers

Nani Keen on Inter Switch

Manchester United target Nani says he would love to play for Italian giants Inter Milan.

After Sporting crashed to defeat against Internazionale in the penultimate round of Champions League Group B fixtures, the 20-year-old midfielder spoke of a possible move to Inter in January's transfer window.

"It is always very good to know that Inter is interested in me, but I'm very happy at Sporting," he said.

However, he then admitted: "Of course I would like to play for Inter. Who wouldn't?"

The defeat in Milan spelled the end of Sporting's Champions League challenge for another season.

"It was difficult for us," Nani said.

"They started very well, which caused us some difficulties. Congratulations to Inter Milan."

Nani could be, following remarks by Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in Corriere dello Sport, the long-term successor to Inter midfielder Luis Figo in the international set-up.

"Figo's successor? This is a massive responsibility," Nani said.

"He [Figo] is a great player. I still have to work hard to reach his level."

Meanwhile, Sporting coach Paulo Bento was disappointed to see his side crash out of the Champions League to Hernan Crespo's 36th-minute strike.

Nevertheless, he promised to secure third place in the group and safe passage to the UEFA Cup round of 32 when his side meet Spartak Moscow on December 5.

"We allowed our opponents to play within our midfield, which made us pay a high price for it. We waited to lose a goal to react," Bento said.

"Obviously it's very difficult to come from behind against a team like Inter - we tried but we couldn't. I recognise that we could do better than we did.

"I have to congratulate Inter - they controlled the game and were a fair winner."

"Our performance all over the Champions League can not shame any Sporting Lisbon supporter, but now we have to win our last game to reach a place in UEFA Cup."

Sporting Life

O'Neill ponders Hendrie fate

Martin O'Neill is debating whether to recall midfielder Lee Hendrie from his successful loan spell with Championship outfit Stoke.

The Villa boss is hoping to have Stiliyan Petrov and Gavin McCann back in contention for the home Premiership clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday, but Hendrie remains on stand-by.

The long-serving 29-year-old is proving to be a big success at the Britannia Stadium, but Villa have a 24-hour recall on his services.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "I will have a look at that.

"I'll have a look tomorrow to see whether we have Gavin back, and how Stiliyan Petrov is, and those type of things.

"Not that Lee would be twisting my arm to say that he should be automatically back in the team again when he comes back, don't worry about that.

"But what you wouldn't want is that he is on a run there at the minute, and then to take him back and not have the benefit of those things in maybe 10 or 12 days time.

"All of those things will enter into my head, but I will think about it tomorrow."

ITV Football

Bayer return for Berbatov

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov is looking forward to a return to his former club when Spurs travel to Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Cup.

Bulgaria international Berbatov spent five years with the German club before making a £10.9million summer switch to England, having helped Bayer reach the Champions League final in 2002.

"If I do score it will be strange, but I'm a professional player and it doesn't matter if they are my friends," Berbatov commented.

"Like usual, you raise your hands to show you have scored.

"I was happy that I was there and now I have a lot of other things to do, the game and the games in the future with Tottenham.

"I'm really happy to be back, but I have a job to do and during the 90 minutes there are no friends."

Leverkusen coach Michael Skibbe was fulsome in his praise of Berbatov ahead of the BayArena showdown, saying: "He's one of the best strikers in the world.

"He's got wonderful technique, is very good with his head, both feet are very fast and all the time he has an eye for players in better positions. He's very special."

Carling

O'Neill Eyes £7 Million Defoe Deal

Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a £7 million swoop for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is a big fan of the England striker and will make his move during the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mirror.

Defoe has fallen out of favour at White Hart Lane and has managed just two goals this season after falling behind Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov and Mido in Martin Jol's pecking order.

O'Neill is desperate to add a top striker to his Villa squad to help their push for a European place but it remains to be seen whether Spurs would be willing to sell, having reportedly rejected offers for his services in the summer.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with Defoe in the past, but they look set up front after the summer capture of Dutch ace Dirk Kuyt.

Sporting Life

Magpies Warned Off Ajax Raid

Newcastle have had to scratch two names from their January shopping list after being told to forget about Ajax duo Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Urby Emanuelson.

Manager Glenn Roeder had identified the pair among his potential targets for the winter transfer window as he attempts to strengthen his squad after seeing a relative lack of depth exposed in recent weeks.

However, the Dutch club have issued a hands-off warning to the Magpies over two of their most highly-rated performers.

Roeder said: "Like a lot of Premiership managers, Huntelaar and Emanuelson are two players I greatly admire, but Ajax are insisting they are not for sale."

Striker Huntelaar, a Dutch record £6million signing from Heerenveen, and 20-year-old left-back Emanuelson, both played for Holland in their 1-1 draw with England in Amsterdam last week.

The 23-year-old Huntelaar has already played at St James' Park, where he was on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline when Heerenveen lost 2-1 on Tyneside in the second leg of a UEFA Cup third round tie in February 2005.

But he impressed in the first leg, putting his side ahead before goals from Alan Shearer and Lee Bowyer handed the Magpies the advantage in Holland.

However, while Roeder's hopes of landing either man look doomed, his interest suggests the areas in which he will be looking to strengthen.

With Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi on the long-term injury-list and £10million summer signing Obafemi Martins struggling for goals, Roeder does not have a lot of options, while Celestine Babayaro's fitness record has seen central defender Peter Ramage employed as an emergency left-back.

Roeder said: "We know which parts of our team need strengthening and we will be acting accordingly."

The club has already been linked with, among others, Manchester United's Alan Smith, Aston Villa midfielder Steve Davis, central defenders Steve Gohouri, Patrick Kisnorbo and Valencia's David Navarro, and former frontman Lomana LuaLua, although none are thought to be genuine targets.

Newcastle face Spaniards Celta Vigo in the UEFA Cup on Tyneside on Thursday knowing a win will clinch their place in the next round.

Roeder was able to call upon Martins for the first time in six matches for the creditable 1-1 draw Arsenal on Saturday and will hope the 22-year-old Nigerian can serve up a second dose of European magic.

The former Inter Milan star scored twice at the Gallowgate End to ease his side past Levadia Tallinn in the first round of the competition.

He has only one Premiership goal to his name so far, but team-mate James Milner is convinced he can have a bright future in English football.

Milner said: "I have played with some big-hitters in my career so far - people like Mark Viduka, Robbie Fowler and Alan Smith at Leeds and Juan Pablo Angel and Milan Baros at Aston Villa, and then you have Alan Shearer in the last few years here at Newcastle.

"I think Oba can be right up there with them. He is class and he is still only young as well.

"He has been playing for a massive club like Inter Milan at the San Siro in front of thousands.

"Everybody has witnessed how quick he is and he has got good feet.

"We have seen his finishing ability and hopefully he will score many goals at this club."

Meanwhile, Newcastle are awaiting the results of scans on Damien Duff's knee injury and Craig Moore's hamstring problem.

Sporting Life

Addicks Deny Bent Bid

Who? - Darren Bent
Where is he? - Charlton
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

Charlton Athletic have dismissed talk linking star striker Darren Bent with an exit from the club, despite rumours of interest from Manchester United. The 22-year-old England international has netted nine goals already this season, despite the Addicks propping up the Premiership table after a dreadful run of results. Bent also scored 22 goals for Charlton last season following his 2.5million move from Ipswich Town. That form has alerted the likes of United, but Charlton chief executive Peter Varney says that no deal is imminent. He told the South London Press: "Darren signed a new, improved four-year deal in the summer and we have no intention of selling him. He's a key part of our side and of our hopes of staying up. There have been no enquiries from Manchester United or anyone else for that matter."

Carling

Hammers Linked With Wright-Philips

Eggert Magnusson wants to protect the English core at West Ham, prompting talk of a £13million bid for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The 59-year-old Icelander is set to become chairman after the Hammers accepted the £85million offer of his consortium, which also includes provision for absorbing a £22.5million debt.

Magnusson admits he has long been an "admirer" of what West Ham have achieved and the traditions of the east London side.

And boss Alan Pardew is believed to have earmarked a big-money move for Chelsea outcast Wright-Phillips when the January transfer window opens.

Magnusson appears keen to add to the English core at West Ham, with the likes of Matt Etherington, Nigel Reo-Coker, Dean Ashton and Anton Ferdinand close to breaking into the senior England set-up, where former Hammers stars Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick are firm fixtures in Steve McClaren's plans.

"As a young man I admired the club," he said. "Great players came from West Ham and formed a big part of the World Cup side in 1966, and the England side which played the friendly in Amsterdam against Holland - the midfield was from West Ham."

Magnusson told WHUTV: "You have been doing great things in developing young players - and I very much look forward to strengthening that so we can keep on getting English players at West Ham."

The 59-year-old is the serving president of the Icelandic Football Association, but will relinquish that position early next year.

Magnusson is considering the way forward over his role within Europe's governing body, UEFA, where he currently sits on the executive committee.

While the takeover will need a few weeks to be completed formally, the Icelander is already looking ahead to a bright future at Upton Park.

"I want every year to be competing for places in the Champions League, which I think is a very important step," he declared. "That is my ultimate ambition.

"It will not happen today or tomorrow or the day after. We will take it slowly and build on the foundations that are already here."

Magnusson has promised to back manager Alan Pardew in the transfer market.

However, the future of Argentina duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano - brought to West Ham by Iranian-born Kia Joorabchian who then led his own failed takeover attempt - remains uncertain.

Sporting Life

The iceman cometh!

Who? - Eggert Magnusson
Who is he? - The head of an Icelandic consortium
What is he doing ? - Buying West Ham

An Icelandic consortium headed by Eggert Magnusson has had its takeover bid for West Ham United accepted by the Premiership club. The 85million offer has been backed by billionaire financier Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who is the chairman of Icelandic bank Landsbanki. The Hammers' board of directors have unanimously recommended that the remaining club shareholders accept the offer. The consortium are believed to have taken on the club's 22.5million debt, although there is no mention of this part of the bid in the club's announcement. Current Hammers chairman Terry Brown, who will step down once Magnusson arrives, said: "The offer reflects fair value considering our history, recent performance and prospects. Eggert Magnusson is fully committed to ensuring the club can continue its great tradition of success both on and off the field, to the benefit of supporters and the wider community." Magnusson himself added: "I am both delighted and honoured that Terry Brown and his colleagues wish to support our offer for West Ham."

But what does this mean for Alan Pardew's team on the pitch? Well, first up it seems Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano will leave London in the January transfer window. The Argentine duo were brought to Upton Park by Kia Joorabchian, whose proposal to bid for the club never materialised, meaning they are unlikely to stay that far into Magnusson's reign. However, the Icelander is keen to leave the final decision on their fates to manager Alan Pardew, with his spokesman explaining: "He is not going to interfere in playing matters...[Pardew] controls that part of the club, there is no two ways about that."

Indeed, the change at the top looks likely to have only positive effects on the team itself. Magnusson has already expressed his happiness with Pardew as boss and is all set to fund any forays into the January transfer window the manager may want. "I think he is a great manager, he has done great things with West Ham," the Icelander said. "Last season was a great year and I fully believe he will help me take West Ham to the next stage. It is clear in my mind that there will be funds available for the manager in the January transfer window. He has absolute power over his team and it his decision who he wants to add to his squad. I will work very closely with him on what his desires are in the January window and going on to the next level."

"I am here to be a hands-on chairman," Magnusson concluded. "I want to fully commit to West Ham. I want everybody concerned - the staff, the supporters, everybody who loves and cares about West Ham - to know I come here to achieve great things for West Ham".

Carling

Bolton in for Becks - report

Bolton have been linked with a sensational move for Real Madrid's David Beckham.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is ready to start discussions with the former England captain's representatives as soon as there are any indications that he is ready to quit the Spanish giants.

Beckham has yet to sign a new contract with Real - and with his current four-year deal running out next summer, he will be free to talk to other clubs in January.

Real are keen to tie the midfielder to a new deal. But it is believed Beckham is waiting to see if he can reclaim his first-team berth before deciding whether to commit himself to the club.

Newcastle and Blackburn have already signalled their interest in the 31-year-old whose future at the Bernabeu is under a cloud.

Beckham has made just two full appearances so far this season, and has already admitted his frustration at his lack of first-team opportunities.

Meanwhile Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has confirmed Beckham's trip to Rome was sanctioned by the club - and that he had returned to training by Saturday morning.

Beckham travelled to Italy with wife Victoria on Friday to attend a pre-nuptial dinner with Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who married in nearby Bracciano on Saturday.

It had initially been suggested the former England captain had defied Real in order to make the trip, while later reports declared the club had given him the green light to go.

Capello confirmed following Saturday night's Primera Liga match with Racing Santander that Beckham had indeed been given permission to go to Italy.

The Italian coach also said the midfielder had been at the club's training ground on Saturday morning to continue his recovery from the knee injury which ruled him out of the Racing match.

"Beckham was in Rome with the permission of the club," said Capello.

"This morning he has been at Real Madrid City. We game him permission to travel, because the doctor said he could.

"He has not missed a single minute of his rehabilitation."

Beckham did not attend last night's wedding ceremony between Cruise and Holmes, with his wife representing the couple in his absence.

Whether this whole episode will affect Beckham's future at Real Madrid remains to be seen.

Sporting Life

Miller warns Celtic they need to be wary of more than Rooney

Celtic striker Kenny Miller insists Wayne Rooney is only one of several Manchester United stars who can hurt the Hoops in the Champions League.

The England striker has not scored in the competition for two years but has returned to prime form.

After netting for his country against Holland in a 1-1 draw in Amsterdam last week, the 21-year-old grabbed a double for the Red Devils against Sheffield United on Saturday to help the Old Trafford side maintain their lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership.

United arrived in Glasgow on the back of seven straight Premiership wins and need a victory to ensure qualification before their last Group F match against Benfica.

But Miller believes Rooney is not Sir Alex Fergusons only weapon.

The Scotland striker said: "Its not impossible to stop Rooney, a lot of teams have done it. Hes a world class player and if hes not scoring goals he can be hurting you in other ways. But theyve got so many options going forward you cant pinpoint one player to try to stop because, if you do, theres another angle. Theres (Ryan) Giggs and (Cristiano) Ronaldo, and (Louis) Saha has been absolutely on fire this year. And, at the heart of it, youve got Paul Scholes pulling the strings. Scholes is world class. He was one of the best attacking midfield players in the world two or three years ago and he is still one of the best in the game. He can pass, score goals and he can even play in that deeper role. Hes just a quality player and is one of the many players we have to keep a close eye on. You cant pinpoint one. United have been on fire since the start of the season. I saw them playing in a few games and some of the football they were playing was outstanding. I havent seen a lot of them recently to be honest but their results and the fact theyre sitting at the top of the league backs me up on that."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who admitted last week that United have better players than his side, tried to bolster confidence by comparing the Bank of Scotland Premier League favourably with the Barclays Premiership.

He said: "Weve got to take heart from the players Ive got and hope we can have a right good game. We can play, weve got good imagination and weve come from behind a couple of times in the league this season. We know the SPL is not the same as the English Premiership, but theres not that great a difference. Wed be competitive in the top half of the Premiership. I think they give themselves too many pats on the back for being the best league in the world. Its all right at times, but Ive seen some dire games there as well."

Football Rumours

Kiraly loaned out to Hammers

West Ham have signed out-of-favour Crystal Palace goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly on a two-week 'emergency' loan deal.

Hammers boss Alan Pardew has turned to the 30-year-old to give his squad more goalkeeping cover.

The Hungarian international will stay with the Premiership outfit until December 3, after which the loan period could be extended.

Kiraly joined Palace in the summer of 2004 and made 97 appearances for the Eagles.

But after starting the season as first choice under new boss Peter Taylor, he has been relegated to the bench for recent matches, with youngster Scott Flinders preferred.

And Kiraly was pushed further down the pecking order on Thursday when the Championship strugglers signed Iain Turner on a month's loan from Everton.

Kiraly will compete with Robert Green and Roy Carroll for a place in Pardew's starting line-up, and could be on the bench for the Hammers' Premiership fixture at Chelsea on Saturday.

ITV Football

GUTI AND ROBERTO CARLOS AGREE NEW DEALS

Real Madrid have reached agreements with both Roberto Carlos and Guti over their new contracts, the club announced on Monday.

Midfielder Guti, 30, has agreed to extend his current deal until 2010, while 33-year-old defender Roberto Carlos will sign a one-year extension which will tie him to the club until June 30, 2008.

Real sporting director Predrag Mijatovic confirmed on the club's website: "An agreement has been reached with Guti and Roberto Carlos so that they can continue here.

"We are very happy, firstly because they are going to go continue for more years with us, and secondly because they are playing very well, at a very important level, and that is good for all.

"The president has fulfilled his promises and everybody is happy."

Guti, whose current deal was due to run out in 2008, was brought up through the youth ranks at Real before making his debut for the first team against Sevilla in 1995.

Now one of the longest-serving players still at the club along with Raul, the Spain international has won three Primera Liga titles and three Champions League crowns with Real, as well as a host of other trophies.

Guti has played in 10 of Real's 11 league matches this season, although he now faces a suspension after being sent-off in Saturday's 3-1 win over Racing Santander.

Roberto Carlos has been involved in the Real first-team almost as long as Guti having moved to Spain from Internazionale in 1996 - during current coach Fabio Capello's first spell at the Bernabeu.

The former Brazil left-back recently made his 500th appearance for the club, during which time he has scored well over a half-century of goals.

He had been closely linked with a move to English champions Chelsea over the summer, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho admitting: "I consider him to be the best in his position."

Nothing came of the interest though, and the World Cup winner has started all of Real's Primera Liga and Champions League matches during the current campaign.

The veteran defender's decision to sign a contract extension - with an option for a further year - comes just days after Real unveiled the player who is tipped to be his long-term replacement for both club and country, Marcelo.

The 18-year-old left-back joined Real in a five-year deal from Fluminense last week, although he will not link up with his new team-mates until January.

Roberto Carlos welcomed the addition of his countryman to the Real squad, saying: "I will finally have a player tog play in my place sometimes. I've played more than 560 matches for Real Madrid and more than 100 for the national team. It will be very good to have him here (in Madrid)."

Real are also in contract talks with midfielder David Beckham, whose current four-year deal runs out next summer.

The Spanish giants are keen to keep Beckham at the Bernabeu, but the former England captain is believed to be waiting to see if he can retain his first-team place before committing his future to the club.

O'Connor returns to Scotland for operation

Lokomotiv Moscow striker Garry OConnor has returned to Scotland for a groin operation and will miss their final match of the season.

OConnor scored the opening goal in Lokomotivs 3-1 win away at Amkar Perm on Saturday before picking up the injury, which saw him substituted at half-time.

With the Scotsmans first season in Russia now over, he can reflect on a campaign of mixed fortunes.

OConnor had a steady season on the pitch, scoring seven goals in 17 starts and seven appearances as a substitute.

And after a rollercoaster domestic campaign, Lokomotiv currently lie third in the table and will clinch Russias UEFA Cup berth should they beat Rostov at home on Sunday.

But there was disappointment on the European scene as Lokomotiv were humiliated by Belgian side Zulte-Waragem, losing 3-2 on aggregate to miss out on the group stages.

That defeat lead to the sacking of Serbian coach Slavoljub Muslin, the manager who brought OConnor to Moscow earlier this year.

Speculation that OConnor is homesick and seeking a quick return to Britain has been played down by the player.

The Russian season will come to an end on Sunday, with the new season set to begin in late March.

Football Rumours

Blues hope to sign Gunners trio

Birmingham will strive to sign all three on-loan Arsenal players in Nicholas Bendtner, Fabrice Muamba and Sebastian Larsson if the midlands club regain their Premiership status.

Co-owner David Sullivan revealed City will "move heaven and earth" to secure the trio on a permanent basis after their impressive form during the opening three months of the season.

Blues already have an option to sign wide player Larsson, who is out of contract with the Gunners next summer, but it may be more difficult to prise striker Bendtner and midfielder Muamba away from the Emirates Stadium.

Bendtner, who has scored six times for Birmingham, has already broken into the Denmark team at 18 while England Under-19 captain Muamba is already drawing comparisons with former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Sullivan said: "We have all seen the impact the trio of players from Arsenal have had on our team this season. They are fantastic young players with great potential.

"If we get promoted back to the Premiership we will move heaven and earth to buy Bendtner, Muamba and Larsson. We have an option on Larsson any way but not the other two.

"I don't mean this in a derogatory way but Muamba might not be an Arsenal player. They tend to go for silky, skilful types whereas Muamba is very competitive and more our type of player."

Meanwhile, Blues midfielder David Dunn is poised to start on yet another comeback trail after his latest injury setback.

The former Blackburn player suffered a calf injury against Derby in mid-October but has resumed training and could soon return to reserve team action.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce said: "Dunny is progressing. He is now on the training pitch and part of the way through his rehabilitation.

"We hope he can play a game in the next week or so on the long road back again."

ITV Football

BLADES QUARTET UP FOR LOAN

Four veteran players have been made available for loan by Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock.

Defenders Chris Lucketti, Alan Wright and David Unsworth, along with striker Neil Shipperley - all aged over 32 - have been offered to Football League clubs in advance of Thursday's loan transfer deadline.

Unsworth and Wright are the only ones of the quartet to have featured in the Barclays Premiership this season and Warnock admitted he is willing to listen to offers.

"Because of the loan deadline later this week we have alerted a few clubs, letting them know that these players are available," he told the club's website, www.sufc.co.uk.

Sporting Life

Clichy wants France spot

Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy has revealed his burning desire to become first-choice left-back for both club and country.

With Ashley Cole having departed the Gunners for Chelsea, the 22-year-old is hoping for an extended run in the first team after fully recovering from a broken foot, the latest in a long line of injury setbacks.

Clichy has slotted effortlessly into the Arsenal defence and is set to continue against Hamburg in the Champions League, when the home side will be missing William Gallas.

Already capped at Under-21 level by France, the full-back hopes it will only be a matter of time before he is pressing Lyons Eric Abidal for a starting place with Les Blues.

"When you play football at a great club like Arsenal, you want to be the best," Clichy declared.

"My first objective is to play my best football I can for the club, and the national team is a bonus. If I could catch the first French team, that would be amazing for me, but for now it is just Arsenal."

Clichy added: "The Under-21s was a great experience for me, but now I am looking forward and maybe in a few months I will be called up for the first-team, which would make me really happy."

Footbal rumours

Argentines will leave West Ham?

West Ham are reportedly set to dump Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in January.

The pair have both failed to settle at Upton Park having joined the club in the summer and now Alan Pardew is reluctant to pick them.

The People understands there is a clause in Tevez' and Mascherano's contracts which allows the Hammers to terminate the deals during the transfer window.

West Ham achieved impressive victories over Blackburn and Arsenal without either player on the pitch while Tevez featured in Saturday's loss against Chelsea.

Kia Joorabchian brought the Argentines to England in a bid to takeover the club but that plan seems to have backfired and now Brazilian club Fluminense are willing to bring the players back to South America.

ITV-Football

Pearce may strengthen

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has not ruled out the prospect of strengthening his squad in the January transfer window despite his team's recent improvement.

Saturday's impressive 3-1 victory against Fulham lifted City up to 12th in the Premiership table and Pearce is pleased with his side's current form.

"They're normally seasons to remember for Manchester City one way or another, that's for sure, but we know we've got to improve," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"Maybe we'll have a look in the window as well, and keep our fingers crossed that, in positions where we're not the strongest, one or two players of ours maintain their fitness.

"There are a lot of factors that will dictate how your season goes. But I feel there's a good spirit in the camp - there always has been - and a good work ethic as well.

"Whenever we put anything on that doesn't involve a football, they roll up their sleeves and say: 'Come on, let's get on with it, because we enjoy this as much as we do knocking that ball around.'

"When you've got that in your camp, it's nice. There are a lot of unselfish players in this squad - the Dickovs, the Dunnes, the Thatchers - they're all team people.

"The more people we keep fit, the more pressure we put on each other to perform and improve at what we're trying to achieve, the better it is for us."

Carling

MOYES WANTS TO STRENGTHEN

David Moyes has revealed he will look to strengthen his Everton squad in January - but admits it may be difficult to sign the right player.

Moyes' already small pool of players has been further decimated by injuries in recent weeks, leaving the Toffees boss to contemplate new faces when the transfer window reopens.

He told the club's official website: "I think we're short. We were short before we started and, strangely enough, we don't have that many injuries.

"We're not a club with nine or 10 injured players, so we're actually just short of numbers in general.

"It'll be difficult to get players in to improve the side, and January's not the best time for shopping, but we might still need to do something."

Sporting Life

Robben hints at Chelsea exit

Arjen Robben has admitted he may "consider other options" if he continues to be a bit-part player for champions Chelsea.

The Dutch winger was injured for a month earlier in the season but has been in and out of the first-team since his return. He has started 10 of Chelsea's 20 games this season and may move on if the situation does not improve.

"If I am not in the team I will have to consider other options," he reportedly told the News of the World.

"There are players here who get a lot of money for doing nothing but I don't want that to be me, I'm too young."

Robben, however, insists that Jose Mourinho has assured him he will get more game time in the future.

"The club have said I will be playing more regularly," he said.

"So let's wait and see."

ITV-Football

Pompey return for Ashdown

Jamie Ashdown has returned to Portsmouth after spending the last month on loan at Championship side Norwich City.

The 25-year-old former Reading shot-stopper made two appearances for the Canaries but was sent off in the 5-0 defeat at Stoke City and failed to win his place back after serving his suspension.

He has been on the substitute's bench for the last three matches - including Sunday's derby defeat at Ipswich Town - with Paul Gallacher regaining the number one spot.

Ashdown has made 39 first-team starts for Pompey but is currently the third-choice keeper at Fratton Park behind David James and Dean Kiely.

Carling

Johnson back at Boro

Middlesbrough teenager Adam Johnson has returned to the Riverside Stadium following his brief loan spell at Championship strugglers Leeds United.

Whites boss Dennis Wise has decided not to extend the 19-year-old winger's month-long stay at Elland Road which expired following Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Southampton.

Johnson made five appearances for Leeds but was kept on the substitute's bench for the last two games against Colchester United and the Saints.

The teenager has made 23 appearances for Boro, nine from the substitute's bench, but his only Premiership start this term came in the goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers.

Сarling

RAMS MAY FACE COMPETITION

Derby County will face competition from NEC Nijmegen if they want to make David Jones' loan deal a permanent transfer.

The Rams signed Jones on an initial loan from Manchester United last week with a view to a £1million deal in January.

However NEC, where Jones spent a loan spell last season, have also expressed an interest in the midfielder's signature.

Technical director Leen Looyen told De Gelderlander: "I am still in contact with David Jones in order to retain the possibility of bringing him to NEC.

"He has provisionally opted for Derby County, who are prepared to pay 1.7 million euros for him."

Sportinglife.com

West Ham loan for Palace 'keeper

West Ham United have take Crystal Palace 'keeper Gabor Kiraly on a two-week loan deal.

West Ham manager Alan Pardew told his club's official website: "Gabor has come in simply to help provide some cover while Roy and Jimmy recover from injury, and will ensure we have some experienced back-up for Robert Green this weekend."

Football Transfers

REINA 'FLATTERED' BY VALENCIA LINK

Who? - Jose Reina
Where is he? - Liverpool
Who is he linked with? - Valencia

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has been linked with a move back to Spain to join Primera Liga title hopefuls Valencia. The 24-year-old Spain international joined the Reds in the summer of 2005 from Villarreal and has been a first-team regular ever since. However, recent reports have suggested that he might be open to a return to his homeland, with Reina having written off his side's Premiership chances this season. Reina told AS: "The interest of Valencia is flattering to me. However, at this moment I want to be focused on helping Liverpool return to our best form, which is most important. We'll see what happens in the future." Former Barcelona keeper Reina has made 71 appearances for Liverpool since his 6million arrival. Further reports from Spain have suggested that Valencia are also interested in Juventus' Italy number one Gianluigi Buffon, and there's probably as much as much truth in that as there is in this...

Carling

MOWBRAY HAS TO SELL TO BUY

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray has admitted he will have to adopt a "sell-to-buy policy" if he wants to bring in new players during the January transfer window.

Mowbray would like to freshen up his current squad before making a push for promotion back to the Premiership in the second half of the campaign, but concedes he may have to try and off-load some of the fringe members currently at his disposal.

He said: "I talk to the chairman (Jeremy Peace) just about every day about potential ins and outs. As the chairman has said, I will need to create some funds to make that happen.

"The clear message is that the players we see taking us into the future won't be going anywhere because I understand you need your best players to win football matches.

"But, sometimes, the players you wouldn't mind moving on are the ones that people don't covet. There might have to be a sale down the line to create some movement for players in.

"A new drive, a new face around the place isn't a bad thing. It can stir things up and get players trying to show the new signing they are better than him."

Sporting life

Arsenal striker set to stay at Birmingham

Birmingham City look set to keep on-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner for the rest of the season - provided nothing 'untoward happens'.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce told his club's official website: "I spoke to Mr Wenger on Tuesday and he has confirmed that unless something untoward happens, the agreement that we can have him for the season remains.

"It was good for him to confirm that.

"His people are here every game so they know exactly how he is performing.

"He knows that the three young lads are doing particularly well [Bendtner, Sebastian Larsson and Fabrice Muamba].

"Once the window has gone then there is no recall after that."

Football transfers

MURRAY PLEDGES FUTURE TO WOLVES

Matt Murray has insisted leaving Wolves "is the last thing on my mind" as he strives to repay the loyalty shown to him during his lengthy injury lay-offs.

The in-form goalkeeper has only 18 months to run on his contract as speculation mounts that he could become a target for Barclays Premiership clubs.

Transfers - Idol Gossip

Obafemi Martins gets told to leave Newcastle United if he wants to be a success, while Albert Luque doesn't even need to be told anymore...

Manchester United midfielder completes Derby move

Derby County have completed the loan signing of Manchester United midfielder David Jones. The 22-year-old joins with a view to a permanent move.

Derby manager Billy Davies told his club's official website: "David has great ability, a super left-foot and boasts a range of passing.