By Ollie Irish

Cracking derby at the Riverside, though Wee Gordon Strachan won’t have enjoyed it quite as much as I did.

Andy Carroll’s 82nd-minute equaliser earned a point for Newcastle, but with West Brom beating Blackpool, the Toon’s lead at the top of the Championship is down to just four points – at least Forest lost, eh.

Peter Lovenkrands scored the opener – against the run of play – then Barry Robson equalised with a brilliant strike from 20 yards out. Scott McDonald put the hosts ahead midway through the second half, before Carroll’s assured finish made it 2-2.

Photos from the Riverside:

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Newcastle United's Peter Lovenkrands scores his side's opening goal

By Chris Wright

Hiding behind walls of Jericho. Here’s the round up…

Igor ‘Copperfield’ Akinfeev overdoes the dry ice again

Rumour No. 1: Manchester United target Igor Akinfeev has been offered a new contract by his current club CSKA Moscow, who are desperate to keep hold of one of their most prized assets.

Akinfeev’s (who is thought by many to be the nailed-on successor to Edwin Van Der Sar at United) current deal at CSKA expires in December of next year and the Russian outfit are understandably eager to ensure that their highly rated keeper doesn’t leave the club for nothing when the time comes.

“Look Mummy, there’s an aeroplane up in the sky”

Rumour No. 2: Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker Danny is hoping to show Chelsea he is still worth a £25 million move after recovering from a career-threatening knee injury.

The Portuguese midfielder was on the verge of completing a transfer to Stamford Bridge before he ruptured knee ligaments 10 months ago. Something tells me the fee may be slightly reduced this time round.

The Best of the Rest: AS Roma will turn their sights on Emmanuel Eboue should they fail to land his Arsenal team mate William Gallas in the summer.

Everton defender Joseph Yobo will quit the club in the summer in search of regular first team football.

Stoke are keen to bring Jermaine ‘Tax Dodge’ Pennant back to the Premier League. Pennant currently plays in Spain with Real Zaragoza.

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Jadson is attracting interest from England, Germany and France.

Former Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek will leave Real Madrid to rejoin Feyenoord at the end of the season.

Middlesbrough, QPR, Doncaster and Leeds are chasing Sheffield United midfielder Nick Montgomery.

Derby County have made an approach to sign Liverpool’s young keeper David Martin on an emergency loan, after having to field Robbie Savage as an auxiliary goalie during their recent defeat at Reading.

By Chris Wright.

Rumours are a smoke made with the fume of sighs. Here’s the round up…

I think you’ve missed a bit Mario

Rumour No. 1: Arsenal are preparing a €25 million summer swoop for unsettled Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. The 19 year old forward is said to be seeking an exit from the San Siro after finding his match day temperament called into question one-too-many times by Inter coach Jose Mourinho.

I know it’s seamless, but this is actually a mock-up

Rumour No. 2: Manchester United are lining up a bid for Sogndal centre back Even Hovland. The 20 year old defender has been dubbed ‘The Norwegian Vidic’ due to his strength and commitment, and is said to have ’hugely impressed’ Sir Alex Ferguson during a two week trial at United.

Hovland even completed a medical at Carrington during the second stage of his trial period, so the way is seemingly paved for a summer move to Old Trafford – but will ‘The Serbian Vidic’ still be there when he arrives?

The Best of the Rest: Racing Santander starlet Sergio Canales is on the verge of agreeing a deal that would see the Spanish prodigy join Real Madrid in the close season.

Just when it seemed certain that Franck Ribery would be a Real Madrid player next season, it appears that the Bayern Munich star is still considering offers from Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Cesc Fabregas loves London and Barcelona. Make of that what you will.

Wigan Athletic defender Erik Edman is in talks with Helsingborg over a return to Sweden.

Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne (who has just returned to Villa from a loan spell at Middlesbrough) will join QPR when the loan window opens.

By Chris Wright

Busy, busy, busy. Here’s the round up…

Decisions decisions

Rumour No. 1: Gianfranco Zola has confirmed that Benni McCarthy will be a West Ham player by the end of the transfer window and that he is also keen to add one more name to his roster of forward options.

West Ham have reportedly held talks with four strikers, with St. Etienne’s Brazilian striker Ilan, Lyon’s Frederic Piquionne (currently on loan at Portsmouth), Reggiana’s Daniele Cacia and Tottenham’s Robbie Keane all on The Hammer’s deadline day shopping list.

UPDATE: Make that five! West Ham have reportedly opened talks with Mateja Kezman as well. The Serbian striker is currently on loan at Zenit St. Petersburg from Paris Saint-Germain.

UPDATE: Make that six! Egyptian striker Mido is currently at Upton Park discussing a six month loan move from Middlesbrough. I could be totally off the mark here but I reckon West Ham might be on the look out for a centre forward.

Stefano’s a fantastic dribbler, all down the front of his shirt

Rumour No. 2: AS Roma’s young striker Stefano Okaka has joined Fulham on a six month deal. Okaka signed off in style at the Stadio Olimpico after coming off the bench to score a cheeky winning goal at Siena last night, before flying to London to finalise his loan move to The Cottagers.

The Best of the Rest: Fulham are also looking to secure Aston Villa’s Nicky Shorey on a six month loan deal.

Sunderland have ended their interest in Habib Beye and switched their sights to signing Tottenham right back Alan Hutton on loan.

Wolves have made an absolutely, positively final bid of £5 million for Hull’s Stephen Hunt. Mick McCarthy is also keen to sign James Vaughan on loan from Everton.

Stoke City are trying to hijack Tottenham’s bid for Portsmouth keeper Asmir Begovic. It’s thought that The Potter’s offer of a first team place will sway the Bosnian stopper toward The Britannia.

Stoke may also make a surprise bid for Jermaine Pennant who is currently at Real Zaragoza.

Birmingham City have now targeted FC Basel’s Marco Streller in their desperate search for a striker.

Blackburn Rovers are working hard to sign a replacement for Benni McCarthy and have set thier sights on either Stoke’s James Beattie, Man City’s Benjani or Lens’ Aruna Dindane.

Portsmouth are trying to sign Sunderland’s Nyron Nosworthy on loan but have Bolton’s Danny Shittu lined up as an alternative should The Black Cats spurn their advances.

Newcastle are nearing a deal to sign Leon Best from Coventry City.

Ipswich boss Roy Keane is to raid his former club Sunderland for striker Daryl Murphy.

Celtic have signed Diomansy Kamara from Fulham until the end of the season.

By Chris Wright

Manchester City look set to make three take-it-or-leave-it deadline day bids for a hat-trick of midfield talent.

First off the bat is a £20 million offer for Real Madrid’s Fernando Gago. City manager Roberto Mancini has already seen two bids rejected for the Argentina international and is ready to make one last blockbuster offer to get his man.

Secondly, Mancini is hoping that a final £6 million bid for Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson will be enough to entice ‘Boro into allowing their top asset to leave the club. Man City may, however, face competition from Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Wolves and city rivals Man Utd for the signature of the England U21 star.

And thirdly, Parma’s highly rated Kenyan midfielder McDonald Mariga looks likely to make a deadline day switch to Eastlands in a £7 million move.

£33 million well spent? Or just another insignificant drop in the Mansour ocean, spluffed like it was nothing?

By Chris Wright

Concentrate Victor! CONCENTRATE!

Wigan Athletic have beaten a host of teams to the signing of Crystal Palace starlet Victor Moses. The 19 year old forward has joined The Latics on a three-and-a-half-year deal for a fee of £2.5 million.

Cash-strapped Palace confirmed that they had received a number of firm offers for Moses over the past few days - as Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest all heightened their interest – but it is Wigan who have pipped the high-flying Championship trio in the race for the highly rated starlet.

By Chris Wright

Rumours are the opiate of the people. Here’s the round up…

Most City fans are glad to see the back of him

Rumour No. 1: It is now official that Manchester City’s thumb-sucking weakling Robinho has completed his six month loan switch to Santos. The Brazilian club will take on Robinho’s contract from City – including (reduced) wages and bonuses – until the end of the season. Good luck Robby, may your dedication and loyalty see you through!

Hands up if you want to leave Pompey

Rumour No. 2: Tottenham have entered advanced talks with Portsmouth regarding two of their players. Centre back Younes Kaboul (£10 million) and ‘keeper Asmir Begovic (£2 million) are both negotiating deals at White Hart Lane that are so close to completion the pair may be Spurs players by tonight.

The Best of the Rest: The agent of Arsenal full back Bacary Sagna has claimed that Inter Milan will move for the Frenchman should Maicon leave the San Siro in the summer.

Sunderland have agreed a £1.5 million fee with Man City for Zimbabwean striker Benjani. The Black Cats are also serious contenders to sign Rod Fanni from Rennes.

Portsmouth have confirmed that Jamie O’Hara has rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham.

Egyptian striker Mido is close to joining West Ham on loan.

The Hammers may lose Valon Behrami to Italian side Palermo in the summer.

Crystal Palace have confirmed they have received offers for Victor Moses from Newcastle, West Brom and Nott’m Forest.

Newcastle have signed QPR defender ‘One-Size’ Fitz Hall on loan until the summer.

Middlesbrough are trying to rush through a deal to sign former Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura from Espanyol.

West Brom are set to sign Dutch winger Andwele Slory from Feyenoord.

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray is trying to tempt Blackburn Rover’s midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen to Parkhead, along with Preston defender Sean St. Ledger.

Ex-Everton midfielder Manuel Fernandes is on the verge of joining Inter Milan on loan until the summer from current club Valencia.

By Chris Wright

Rumours, like the corners of my mind. Here’s the round up…

Standing on a drawing pin is the worst pain known to man

Rumour No. 1: Manchester City have seen their latest bid for Middlesbrough winglet (winger + starlet) Adam Johnson turned down as the England U21 man has apparently vowed to stay at ‘Boro and help get them back into the Premier League.

City have already seen a bid of £4 million for Johnson rebuffed by The Teeside club earlier in January and it is though that their latest offer is nearer the £6 million mark.

TRIO! TRI-I-O! I wanna trio and I want one now!

Rumour No. 2: Spurs are featuring fairly heavily in the gossip columns this morning. It has been reported that ‘Arry Redknapp is desperate to bring in some goalkeeping cover and has targeted a trio of The Football League’s leading lights as potential cover for Heurelho Gomes.

Coventry’s Keiren Westwood, Watford’s Scott Loach and Peterborough’s Joe Lewis are all said to be high on the Tottenham manager’s wish list.

The Best of the Rest: Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere is on the verge of finally completing his loan move to Bolton.

Vasco De Gama have distanced themselves from speculation linking AWOL Man Utd midfielder Anderson with a move to the Brazilian club.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed that the club have received ‘insulting’ offers for Honduran full back Maynor Figueroa.

Dirk Kuyt’s agent has dismissed claims that the Liverpool forward will be joining Juventus in the summer.

West Ham are preparing a big money bid to sign both David Bentley and Alan Hutton from Tottenham.

Inter Milan’s Luis Jimenez has ended his loan at West Ham and returned to Italy. The Chilean has immediately been loaned out again to Parma.

Portsmouth have made Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Owusu-Abeyie their first signing after the club’s transfer embargo was lifted. The former Arsenal and Birmingham man has joined Pompey on loan until the end of the season.

Birmingham City have confirmed that defender Martin Taylor is in talks with Newcastle United over a possible loan switch.

FC Basle striker Marco Streller has told Swiss media that he has rejected a £6 million move to Fulham.

Reported Liverpool target Jeremy Menez (currently at Roma) is mulling over a move to Zenit St. Petersburg that would see him reunited with former Giallorossi coach Luciano Spaletti.

By Chris Wright

Everybody be cool, this is a rumoury! Here’s today’s round up…

Why do birds suddenly appear…

Rumour No. 1: West Ham have made a good old-fashioned written bid for Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy. Rover’s boss Sam Allardyce has told the South African he can leave but only if the club can secure a suitable replacement and, with a loan move for Eidur Gudjohnsen on the verge of being agreed, that shouldn’t be too hard.

McCarthy has failed to turn up to the last two Blackburn training sessions and will now be hoping his move to The Hammers does go through, as Allardyce has promised to take care of the striker’s disciplinary ‘in house’ – images of hacksaws and ball-gags spring to mind – if the transfer fails to materialise.

Never underestimate the importance of layers

Rumour No. 2: According to The Independent this morning, Manchester United have joined the race to sign £7 million rated Fulham centre back Chris Smalling. Arsenal declared an interest in the England U21 man last week and it seems that United are just as keen to procure the assured young defender.

UPDATE: Fulham have accepted an undisclosed bid from Man Utd and if personal terms are agreed then Smalling will join The Reds at the start of the 2010/11 season.

The Best of the Rest: Arsenal and Everton are now the favourites to sign AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, but The Toffees are struggling to raise the cash to pay the Dutchman’s £65,ooo-a-week wage demands.

As well as bringing in Eidur Gudjohnsen, Blackburn Rovers also look set to win the race to sign James Beattie from Stoke, with West Ham and Wolves also known to be interested in the former England man.

In even further Blackburn news, Rovers are reportedly on the brink of signing Stuttgart’s Turkish midfielder Yildiray Bastürk on loan until the end of the season.

In even bloomin’ further Blackburn news, Zenit St. Petersburg have made a £4.3 million bid for Aussie midfielder Vince Grella.

Sunderland are to outbid Tottenham to secure the signing of Portsmouth’s Younes Kaboul. Steve Bruce is desperate to fortify his defense during January and will make a £10 million bid for the French centre back to do so.

Birmingham City have stepped up their interest in Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. Judging by the amount of times Brum have ’stepped up’, the Russian forward must be on top of some kind of plinth!

Wigan Athletic have agreed a £6 million deal for Villarreal B striker Marco Ruben. Good luck with that one.

Andranik Teymourian has admitted he may have played his last game for Fulham as he seeks a move away from Craven Cottage.

Burnley have made an approach for Celtic’s Danny Fox despite the left back only joining The Bhoys in the summer.

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan wants to bring in QPR’s Wayne Routledge and Celtic’s Stephen McManus before the end of the month.

By Chris Wright

Who could leave this kind of love behind?

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has reportedly targeted two more midfielders that he wishes to sign before the transfer window shuts – One being West Ham’s Valon Behrami, and the other being Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that City have tabled a £15 million bid for Behrami to ‘test The Hammer’s resolve’ (I’d bite their hands off personally) as the Londoner’s are keen to raise funds to reshape their squad during the last few days of January.

Mancini is also weighing up a ‘risky’ £5 million bid for ‘Boro youngster Johnson according to The Sun today. The winger apparently signed an agreement with Sunderland a year ago with a fee of £3 million being agreed upon, but City are hoping to gazump The Black Cats with a larger bid.

After being linked with Mathieu Flamini, Sergio Canales and Fernando Gago yesterday, it seems the standard of supposed City targets has dropped slightly today. Perhaps an indication that, despite their boundless riches, The Citizens don’t yet have the stature to always get their man/men?

By Chris Wright

Here’s Wednesday’s gossip round up, and what a round up it is!

Without doubt, the most common sight in Serie A

Rumour No. 1: Real Madrid are keen to add some defensive muscle to their ranks as the new wave of Galacticos continue to leak soft goals. Los Blancos have targeted tough-tackling Roma captain Daniele De Rossi and Bayern Munich’s young centre back Holger Badstuber as the men they want to plug the holes in their defense.

“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him”

Rumour No. 2: Tottenham Hotspur may make a shock £10 million bid to bring Portsmouth’s Younes Kaboul back to White Hart Lane. Harry Redknapp is desperate for cover at centre back as both Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King are sidelined and even Redknapp’s emergency option, Tom Huddlestone, is currently crocked.

The Best of the Rest: Hull City, Fulham and Ajax are all interested in Egypt striker Mido - who is currently on loan at Zamalek from Middlesbrough.

Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Villareal midfielder Sebastian Eguren on loan, whilst Galatasaray look set to snap up Rovers striker Benni McCarthy.

The Turkish club are also monitoring Ryan Babel’s situation at Liverpool.

Stoke City have made a £5 million bid for Middlesbrough’s Gary O’Neill and Boro’ will use the money to sign Leon Best from Coventry City.

Birmingham City are said to be Tottenham forward Roman Pavlyuchenko’s first choice destination after the Russian admitted he could never play for Zenit St. Petersburg due to his ties with Spartak Moscow.

Nottingham Forest have rejected a ‘derisory’ offer from Newcastle United for utility man James Perch.

Newcastle are on the verge of signing Danny Simpson from Manchester United on a permanent deal. The full back is having a medical today.

Bristol City have signed Barnsley winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Sporting Lisbon want to sign Portmouth wingback Nadir Belhadj and ex-Portmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes from Glasgow Rangers.

Sunderland midfielder Boudewijn Zenden has stated that he wishes to end his career in Holland, preferably at PSV. The 33 year old added that he has ‘a couple of years left in him’ though.

By Chris Wright

Ah! Sunday, the day of rest. But the gossip columns wait for no man…

“Can a Mr De Souza please return to the sidelines”

Rumour No. 1: Despite being reassured by manager Roberto Mancini that he does have a future at Manchester City, winger Robinho is once more being linked with a move away from Eastlands. The owners are apparently keen to cash in on the struggling Brazilian now, as his value is dropping with every poor performance.

The £32 million man has failed to impress this term, culminating with having to suffer the shame of being a substituted-substitute at Everton yesterday. All the usual suitors are being touted with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan all said to be interested in acquiring the services of the patchy forward. 

The voices were telling Joe to burn things again

Rumour No. 2: With the future of Robinho seemingly uncertain, Man City are hoping to tie up a deal to bring Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole to the club as a direct replacement.

Cole’s contract talks at Chelsea have stalled once again with the  28 year old asking for a £50,000-a-week pay rise to stay on at Stamford Bridge. If negotiations aren’t resolved then the England man could leave The Blues on a free transfer in the summer.

Tottenham and Manchester United are said to be monitoring Cole’s situation but City’s financial clout has put them in the driving seat, as the flush Citizens would be able to offer wages far and above that of which he is holding out for at Chelsea.

The Best of the Rest: Benfica’s highly sought-after midfielder Angel Di Maria has snubbed a £38 million move to Man City. The Argentinian starlet wants to stay at the Portuguese giants until the summer.

Tottenham are leading the race to sign Palermo defender Simon Kjaer after they staged initial talks with the £12 million-rated Dane last week.

Everton are close to signing Rennes full back Rod Fanni in a £5 million deal after David Moyes sent scouts to watch the Frenchman last week.

Keiran Richardson is high on Birmingham’s list of January targets after the Sunderland player admitted he is unhappy at being made to play out of position.

Sunderland themselves have had a £5 million bid for Portsmouth’s Kevin-Prince Boateng rejected as Pompey are holding out for £7 million for the German midfielder.

Stoke and Sunderland are being linked with a £4 million deal for Man Utd keeper Ben Foster.

Portsmouth are to make a loan approach for Tottenham’s Giovani Dos Santos if their current transfer embargo is lifted before the transfer window shuts.

Wolves have made a bid of £6.5 million for Middlesbrough’s highly rated winger Adam Johnson.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is keen to bring in Stoke’s 25 year old defender Andy Wilkinson during the window.

Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere on loan although Wilshere himself has stated he is keen to stay in the Premier League.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is the subject of a £4 million bid from Galatasaray.

Roma forward Julio Baptista is edging ever closer to becoming an Inter Milan player after the two teams agreed terms for the Brazilian.

By Chris Wright

I hope, for his mother’s sake, that Mancini was a C-Section

Rumour No. 1: If their loan deal for Inter Milan’s lightbulb-headed winger Mancini falls through, Olympique Marseille will look to Liverpool’s Ryan Babel as a direct alternative.

Mancini has been stalling over personal terms regarding his temporary switch to Ligue 1 and the board at l’OM have become increasingly frustrated to the point of withdrawing their offer for the Brazilian which would leave Liverpool’s out-of-sorts Dutchman at the top of their list.

Sometimes you just don’t need a caption

Rumour No. 2: Everton are to reignite their interest in want away Arsenal defender Phillipe Senderos. The Toffees attempted to sign the Swiss centre back in the summer but the prospective deal never went through.

The 24 year old has been out of favour at The Emirates for some time and is desperate to leave to secure his place in Switzerland’s World Cup squad after recently stating that he is willing to ‘go anywhere’ to revive his career meanwhile David Moyes is eager to bolster his backline after long serving defender Lucas Neill called time on his illustrious Everton career yesterday.

The Best of the Rest: Real Madrid have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace’s Victor Moses. Manchester City, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have all expressed an interest in the young forward.

Sam Allardyce wants to bring Middlesbrough’s Gary O’Neil to Ewood Park to strengthen his fairly average midfield.

Tottenham, Bolton and, more plausibly, Inter Milan are considering moves for Real Madrid’s 33 year old midfielder Guti Hernandez who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Fulham’s transfer listed midfielder Seol Ki-Hyeon has turned down a move to the Hong Kong First Division League with South China AA. The South Korean is holding out for a move to a more high profile league, presumably such as the Saudi Premier League where he spent last season on loan at Al-Hilal.

Arsenal have pinched 17 year old Bolivian starlet Samuel Galindo from under the noses of Everton after the winger was on trial at Goodison last week.

Burnley’s new manager Brian Laws wants to bring Sheffield United’s Matthew Kilgallon to Turf Moor by offering £1.5 million for the defender (who has already strongly expressed a desire to stay at Bramall Lane, at least until the summer)

West Ham perma-crock Keiron Dyer is seriously considering retiring after yet another injury set back.

Greek side Larissa are keen on signing Gabon striker Daniel Cousin from Hull City as the frontman has been told he can leave The Tigers.

Bolton and Wolves want Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll for £2 million but they may have to wait and see if the Geordies sign Leed’s Jermaine Beckford first.

Newcastle themselves are now on the verge of signing Danny Shittu from Bolton.

Juventus may make a shock approach to bring veteran striker Hernan Crespo to the club from Genoa.

By Chris Wright

This has got to be the quietest day, rumour-wise, of the window so far! Anyhow, here’s the morning’s gossip round-up…

Lucas plays ‘the waiting game’

Rumour No. 1: Galatasaray have tabled an £800,000 bid for Lucas Neill, despite the Australian full-back having only joined Everton a few months ago. Neill was signed by The Toffees on a free transfer in September, so the Turkish giants are hoping the generous cash bid may be too tempting a mark-up for the Goodison club to refuse. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 31 year old mercenary leave on the first plane for Turkey if the wages offered are a few euros higher at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium.

Pippo’s party piece? Swallowing grapefruits whole

Rumour No. 2: AC Milan’s veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi has snubbed a one-year extension to his current deal (which expires in the summer) at the San Siro in favour of winding down his playing days at Parma. The 36 year old goal machine is a cult hero in Milan and the Rossoneri are keen to keep him on their books but it looks as if ‘Super Pippo’ fancies one last pay day elsewhere.

The Best of the Rest: Wigan Athletic have signed Ivory Coast defender Steven Gohouri on a six month deal. Gohouri was a free agent after being released by Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of last season.

Philippe Senderos is desperate to leave Arsenal after falling down the pecking order behind an unfit, middle-aged Sol Campbell – despite the former England defender only being at the club for one morning.

Birmingham look set to pinch Aruna Dindane from under Portsmouth’s noses, as the financial turmoil at Pompey has put the Ivorian off staying on the south coast.

Newcastle United have expressed an interest in bringing Bolton’s Danny Shittu in on loan until the summer.

Middlesbrough want QPR winger Wayne Routledge as a direct replacement for Adam Johnson who is high on Steve Bruce’s wishlist at Sunderland.

Ex-Real Madrid wing back Cicinho is on the verge of rejoining his former club Sao Paulo from Roma in a £3 million deal.

Lazio are to swoop for Bayern Munich’s monolithic defender Daniel Van Buyten if they can raise sufficient funds.

That, as they say, is it!

By Chris Wright

Dimitar sulked after the kitman refused to sew pockets into his shorts

Rumour No.1: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to put a number of his star players up for sale in an attempt to rejuvenate his squad in the wake of a number of stale performances this season, not least the toothless outing against Leeds last week.

£30 million man Dimitar Berbatov is the said to be heading the clear out, with Ferguson having finally reached the end of his tether with the laconic striker’s inconsistent displays.

Nani, Anderson, Zoran Tosic, Ben Foster and want away defender Nemanja Vidic are also set to leave Old Trafford in a multi million pound change around, which could see West Ham’s Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami and Real Madrid’s long term United target Karim Benzema joining The Red Devils in the summer.

“I sure am going to miss you Younes”

Rumour No.2: Manchester City look likely to clinch the signing of Portsmouth’s centre back Younes Kaboul in a £7 million deal. The french defender’s form this season has been one of the solitary plus points for Pompey, who have found themselves ravaged by a continuing financial crisis.

Man City are looking to capitalise on the south coast club’s fiscal woes by making an offer for Kaboul who, after a wildly inconsistent time at Tottenham, has settled well at Portsmouth. The 24 year old’s form this year has caught the eye of Roberto Mancini as the City manager looks to add to his defensive lines whilst Kolo Toure is away on African Nations duty.

The Best of the Rest: Stoke have made an enquiry into the availability of Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistlerooy. The Potters have admitted it to be a long shot but hope the promise of regular starts will entice the Dutchman from the Bernabeu.

Atletico Madrid have told Chelsea they can sign Sergio Aguero for a ‘cut price’ £30 million fee if The Blues are willing to loan the Argentinian striker back to them for the remainder of the season.

Owen Coyle hopes to make Ranger’s forward Kris Boyd his first signing as Bolton manager. An offer of £1.5 million may be enough to bring the Scottish goal machine to The Reebok. Coyle is also planning to raid his former club Burnley for winger Chris Eagles and defender Tyrone Mears.

Croatian international goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa has revealed he is to join Tottenham Hotspur as cover for Heurelho Gomes. The 30 year old is currently playing in Russia for Spartak Moscow.

Blackburn will attempt to bring James Beattie back to Ewood Park for £2 million but Sam Allardyce has been told he must offload Benni McCarthy first and, with a host of teams interested in the Blackburn striker, that shouldn’t be too difficult.

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is planning a completely underwhelming four man raid on his former club Celtic. Strachan hopes to tie up permanent deals for Gary Caldwell and Barry Robson whilst also signing Willo Flood and Chris Killen on loan until the end of the season.

Celtic themselves are on the verge of signing Dutch defender Jos Hooiveld from AIK Stockholm for £2 million after the 6′ 3” centre back had a tour of Celtic’s facilities yesterday.

Sheffield United’s Matthew Kilgallon has repeated his desire to remain at Bramall Lane for the rest of the season but will leave in the summer if they don’t get promoted. Everton are being touted as the most likely suitors for the in demand defender with David Moyes keen to pair him up with his former team mate Phil Jagielka.