Leeds striker Robbie Fowler looks set to complete a move to Manchester City in the new year in a œ7m deal.
The cash-strapped Yoprkshire club will be reluctant to lose the fit-again striker but with Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Alan Smith ahead of the former Liverpool man in the pecking order, not to mention the rapid emergence of 16-year-old James Milner, Fowler may jump at the chance of first team football.
Southampton and England defender Wayne Bridge is admanat he will stay at St Mary’s despite reported interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Glenn Hoddle has not given up hope of signing Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes. Morientes is out of favour at the Bernabeu although Hoddle will face stiff competition from Roma for the Spanish international.
Spurs’ out of favour Ukrainian striker Sergei Rebrov could be on his toTurkish club Fenerbahce, while team-mate Les Ferdinand is linked with a switch across London to struggling West Ham.
Massimo Maccarone is becoming increasingly disillusioned with life at Middlesbrough. The Italian striker has been confined to the substitutes bench in recent weeks and would welcome a return to his homeland. The only stumbling block would be the fee. Few Italian clubs would be prepared to pay Boro’s £8 million asking price.
Blackburn Rovers have been rebuffed in their attempt to sign unsettled Turkish defender Alpay from Aston Villa. Rovers boss Graeme Souness was interested in a swap deal but Villa want cash as they seek to strengthen their squad.
Birmingham City have emerged as favourites to sign experienced French striker Christophe Dugarry. Tottenham and Manchester City are monitoring developments. The Blues are also keen on defender Bill Tchato. The Montpelier left-back will join the club for training in the new year, with a view to a permanent move.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is still being pursued by Barcelona. The Dutch striker was a target for Louis Van Gaal in the summer but the clubs could not reach agreement.
Team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen continues to be linked with amove to Old Trafford, along with the likes of Milan’s Andriy Shevchenko, Sunderland’s Kevin Phillips and Lazio’s Claudio Lopez. Meanwhile, another of United’s targets, World Cup winner Paris Saint-Germain’s Ronaldinho, has failed to show up for training following the Christmas break. His absence will fuel specualtion about a move to England.
Despite rumours to the contrary, Monaco chairman, Jean-Louis Campora has denied receiving an offer from Liverpool for in-demand midfielder Ludovic Giuly.
Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has played down speculation linking him with a move to Inter. The Welshman insists he will stay at Old Trafford until his contract expires in 2006.
In Italy, Inter midfielder Javier Farinos is expected to join Villarreal on loan until the end of the season.
Brescia are keen on signing Roma’s veteran Brazilian defender Aldair.
