Martins welcomes Arsenal interest - Transfer Talk Today
Who? - Joey Barton - Speculation Where is he? - Newcastle United Who is he linked with? - Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers have rubbished reports which suggested they were keen to sign controversial midfielder Joey Barton from Newcastle United. The 25-year-old former Manchester City midfielder is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for assault and affray. Last week, Barton was also handed a four-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting former team-mate Ousmane Dabo in a training ground incident. Several stories have suggested the troubled midfielder will be released by the Magpies when the returns to the club. But Bolton are adamant they have no intention of signing the one-time capped England international whatever his future situation. "At no point has any representative of Bolton Wanderers expressed an interest in or made an enquiry about Joey Barton," said a club spokesman. "We would like to reiterate that Bolton Wanderers is not interested in the services of Barton."
Who? - Deiberson Geovanni - Very likely Where is he? - Manchester City Who is he linked with? - Hull City
Hull City have agreed a two-year contract with Geovanni and will sign the former Manchester City midfielder subject to a medical. Geovanni, 28, joined up with the Tigers at their pre-season training camp in Italy following his release by the Citizens after just one season at Eastlands. The former Barcelona and Benfica star started just two Premier League games last season, but impressed Hull boss Phil Brown as he looks to build a side capable of competing in the top-flight during the coming season. France defender Bernard Mendy is also believed to be close to agreeing terms with the KC Stadium outfit.
Who? - Obafemi Martins - Speculation Where is he? - Newcastle United Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has admitted he would relish the chance to play for Arsenal. The Nigerian striker has been linked on several occassions to the Gunners after struggling to settle at St James's Park. No deal has been forthcoming because the teams have not been able to agree on a price, but if a fee can be settled on, Martins could be on his way. "Arsenal is a big club that everyone wants to play for," he said. "I am thrilled and it will be nice to play for such a team. But, now that I am a Newcastle player, there is nothing much to say. If it is true, both clubs would have to reach an agreement. Is Arsenal a good club? Yes. Would I love to play there? Probably, if Newcastle are ready to listen to them. But if Newcastle says no then it'll be no."
Who? - Didier Drogba - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Real Madrid
Didier Drogba will move to Real Madrid in a deal which will see Robinho head to Chelsea, according to reports. The Ivorian striker has long been thought to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, while Luis Felipe Scolari is known to be keen on Robinho. In this deal, it is thought Robinho will move to London, with Chelsea paying 8million along with Drogba to seal the Brazilian's signature. And Drogba's agent Pierre Frelot has confirmed his player would be interested. "In football nothing is impossible. I would not wish to discard his chance," Frelot said. "Drogba now is calm because he already plays in a big club like Chelsea, but also Real Madrid is one of the biggest in the world."
Who? - Marcos Senna - Speculation Where is he? - Villarreal Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has said he is not concerned by the interest in Marcos Senna. The defender had a fantastic Euro 2008 tournament for Spain, attracting the interest of Arsenal and Juventus along the way. However, Roig has insisted that he is confident the player will stay due to his 25million price tag. "We are not frightened of the interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world since we have tied our captain to a 36million euro cancellation clause," Roig revealed. "That's the figure a club would have to pay if they want his services. But the best thing is if he doesn't go. He is very happy at Villarreal and we are very happy with him."
