According to Sky Sports News, Liverpool striker Yossi Benayoun is happy at the club and plans on staying even though he received offers to play elsewhere. He said,

“At the moment, I am a Liverpool player, and unless something surprising happens, I will remain one. But after such a good season, I have had some offers from England and Spain.”

UPDATE: According to Sky Sports News, Manchester City have completed the signing of Gareth Barry for £12million. Barry has agreed to a five-year deal with City.

June 2nd, 2009 According to Sky Sports News, Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is undergoing a medical for Manchester City. It is being reported that the two clubs have agreed to an £11million deal.

Earlier in the day, Aston Villa allowed Barry and Manchster City to begin talks between each other.

May 31st, 2009 According to David Harrison at News of the World, Manchester City are preparing to bid £32million for striker Carlos Tevez and £10million for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

UPDATE: According to Sky Sports News, Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is undergoing a medical for Manchester City. It is being reported that the two clubs have agreed to an £11million deal.

Earlier in the day, Aston Villa allowed Barry and Manchster City to begin talks between each other.

May 31st, 2009 According to David Harrison at News of the World, Manchester City are preparing to bid £32million for striker Carlos Tevez and £10million for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

According to Ricky Brooks at Goal.com, Wolverhampton are close to signing Nenad Milijas from Red Star Belgrade. Zoran Stojadinovic, Milijas’ agent, told B92,

“We’re very close to sealing the deal with Wolverhampton … Milijas took his time to decide where are the best conditions to play and to live - and that’s England.”

According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Wolverhampton and Birmingham are both interested in Bolton defender Danny Shittu. Shittu is valued at around £2million.

According to Michael Baggaley at The Sentinel, Stoke City and Liam Lawrence have begun talks over a new deal. Lawrence said,

“I don’t want to go anywhere …  I want to stay at Stoke and spend the best four years of my life here … I have been trying to sort out a contract for a couple of weeks … I am just waiting to hear back from the club, but am hoping to get something resolved over the next few days.”

“I have been down the order in terms of earnings. I signed a new contract last year when I was one of the best players in the team at that time. I am not being greedy, but I do feel I deserve to be on a par with the top earners.”

UPDATE: According to Alan Nixon at the Daily Mirror, talks have begun between Everton and Newcastle striker Michael Owen. It is being reported that Everton also made Owen a £50,000-a-week offer.

May 30th, 2009 According to John Edwards at the Daily Mail, Everton boss David Moyes is planning to meet with chairman Bill Kenwright to discuss the summer transfer window and the possibility of going after Newcastle striker Michael Owen, who will become a free agent.

According to kickoff.com, Wigan Athletic are close to signing South African midfielder Teko Modise. Modise currently plays for the Orlando Pirates.

According to Joseph Caron Dawe at Setanta Sports, Hull City have permanently signed Steven Mouyokolo from Buologne.

According to Hull City’s official website, the club released eight players. Several of which include: Dean Windass, Ryan France, Michael Bridges and John Welsh.

According to Alan Nixon at the Daily Mirror, Hull City are interested in Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan. The club either wants to buy him or sign him on a season-long loan.

UPDATE: According to The Sun, Sunderland winger Kieran Richardson does not want to leave the club. He said,

“Of course I’m committed to the club. I’m a Sunderland player until they tell me I’m not.”

“I’m expecting a very busy summer in the transfer market. With the takeover from Ellis Short, hopefully he can bring in top-drawer players and that’s better for us.”

“The better players he brings in, it’s going to make us better as players. I’m sure the fans will be looking forward to that as well.”

May 31st, 2009 According to Soriebah Kajue at the Daily Mirror, Tottenham are considering making an £8million bid for Sunderland winger Kieran Richardson.

According to ESPN Soccernet, Blackburn have agreed to sign Elrio van Heerden from Brugge on a free transfer.

UPDATE: According to Sky Sports News, Stoke City midfielder Salif Diao has been offered a new one-year deal with the club.

Also, the club released: Vincent Pericard, Tom Thorley, Jimmy Phillips and Marc Grocott.

May 26th, 2009 According to Michael Baggaley at The Sentinel, Salif Diao admitted that he might move on from Stoke City. He said,

UPDATE: According to Chelsea’s official website, Chelsea have agreed to sign Michael Ballack until June 2010. The  club made a statement saying,

“Michael has been a key member of our team for three years so we are naturally very happy that we have agreed the extension.”

May 31st, 2009 According to Sky Sports News, Michael Ballack has agreed verbally to stay with Chelsea for another year. His current contract is due to expire this summer. Ballack said,