Man U make Berbatov bid - Latest Transfer Rumours.
Who? - Dimitar Berbatov - Speculation Where is he? - Tottenham Hotspur Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
Manchester United are understood to have made a 20million bid for Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian striker was linked with a White Hart Lane exit throughout last season, but stayed until the end of the campaign. The talk has continued, however, and it is understood Sir Alex Ferguson offered 20million for him last night. United are thought to be ready to match his wage demands of 80,000-a-week. Ferguson wants the deal done by the end of next week, but it is understood that Spurs will not let Berbatov leave for less than 30million.
Who? - Scott Carson - Speculation Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - West Bromwich Albion and Hull City
Promoted duo West Bromwich Albion and Hull City are thought to be going head-to-head to sign Scott Carson. The Liverpool keeper spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, but is now back at Anfield after Martin O'Neill failed to meet Rafa Benitez's valuation of the player. It is unlikely Carson will get much first-team football this forthcoming campaign, and he is thought to be looking for a fresh start. Carson signed for Liverpool from Leeds United in January 2005 for a fee of 750,000.
Who? - Gareth Barry - Speculation Where is he? - Aston Villa Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Arsenal could make a shock bid to hijack Gareth Barry's move to Liverpool. The Aston Villa midfielder has been linked with a switch to Anfield throughout the summer, but has found his transfer stalled by the clubs' inability to agree on a fee. Arsenal have already lost Mathieu Flamini, and Gilberto Silva and Alex Hleb look set to join the midfielder in heading out of the exit door. Arsene Wenger therefore needs some reinforcements, and it is thought he contacted Villa in midweek to discover the latest on the situation. Justin Hoyte could be offered in a player-plus-cash deal for the England international.
Who? - Brad Friedel - Speculation Where is he? - Blackburn Rovers Who is he linked with? - Manchester City and Aston Villa
Blackburn Rovers have vowed to fight to keep Brad Friedel at Ewood Park amid reported interest in the veteran goalkeeper from Manchester City and Aston Villa. The Citizens, who are now managed by former Rovers boss Mark Hughes, are believed to be at the front of the queue to sign the American keeper. But Villa are also keen on landing the 37-year-old former international number one, who continues to be one of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League despite his advancing years. Friedel signed a one-year contract extension earlier in the summer which ties him to the Lancashire club until 2010 and Rovers chairman John Williams insists they will fight to keep hold of the former Liverpool keeper. Newly-installed manager Paul Ince has made the acquisition of a young goalkeeper one of his top priorities following his arrival, but still regards Friedel as his current number one choice. "There is some interest but Paul Ince's wish is to start the season with Brad Friedel," Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. The Ohio-born keeper has made more than 350 appearances during eight years at Ewood Park.
Who? - Eric Bekoe - Speculation Where is he? - Asante Kotoko Who is he linked with? - Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are reported to be on the trail of Ghana international striker Eric Bekoe. Spurs head coach Juande Ramos is believed to have identified the 21-year-old hitman as a potential summer signing. Bekoe currently plays his club football in Ghana with Asante Kotoko and has been strongly linked with a move to the Bundelsiga with Hertha Berlin. However after winning his first international cap in a London-based friendly against Mexico in March, the striker claims he has been approached about a possible move to White Hart Lane. "My agent has told me of the teams who are willing to sign me and Hertha Berlin is one of them," he revealed. "Tottenham have also expressed their interest even though nothing concrete is on the table. Spurs made their interest known when I played for the Black Stars against Mexico in a friendly match in London."
Who? - Emmanuel Adebayor - Speculation Where is he? - Arsenal Who is he linked with? - AC Milan
Vice-president Adriano Galliani has suggested AC Milan have ended their interest in signing Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. The Italian side have been on the trail of the Togo international throughout the summer in a long-running transfer saga. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is believed to have reluctantly agreed to consider selling the 24-year-old former AS Monaco striker, who finished as his side's top-scorer with 30 goals last season. However, his reported valuation of 30million appears to have forced Milan to abandon their efforts to push through a deal. Instead, Galliani claims his club will now concentrate on agreeing a new contract with Brazil star Kaka. The Rossoneri are also expected to complete the transfer of Ronaldinho from Barcelona in the coming days following another protracted transfer negotiation. "We've stopped dealing with Arsene Wenger and have to reconfirm that up to now Milan has above all important sacrifices to make in negotiations with its current players, starting with Kaka," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Who? - Darren Fletcher - Speculation Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Everton
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has played down reports that he is wanted by Everton. The 24-year-old Scotland international has been linked with a move to the Toffees in recent days. However, Fletcher insists he is fully focused on establishing himself as a first-team regular at Old Trafford. "You just learn to deal with that as your time progresses here," he told MUTV. "The most important thing is you're focused on Manchester United. Unless someone tells you otherwise, that's what you do." Meanwhile, Fletcher has welcomed talk of increased competition next season with the arrival of fresh faces despite making just 24 appearances himself in the last campaign. "To play in more matches than last season, that's obviously the target each season," he continued. "You do your bit, you're patient and you've got to wait for your chance. I'll be ready to take my chance when it comes and I'll hopeful play a few more matches. I don't think much needs to change but fresh faces are always good. Competition for places is always going to be at Manchester United. It's something you've got to rise to."
Who? - Andrei Arshavin - Speculation Where is he? - Zenit St Petersburg Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Russia star Andrei Arshavin has set his heart on a move to Arsenal, according to his agent. The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker has been linked with moves to the Gunners, Chelsea and Barcelona following his eye-catching performances at Euro 2008. Earlier in the week, agent Dennis Lachter revealed an unnamed Premier League club had failed with a Â19million bid to sign the 27-year-old midfielder. But Lachter has revealed his client has set his sights on joining the Gunners this summer as he believes Arsene Wenger's side would suit his style of play. However, Zenit have already warned potential suitors that they are holding out for 24million for their prize asset. "Andrei is desperate to join Arsenal," Lachter told the Daily Mirror. "His style of play would suit them perfectly."
