According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp that it is possible that he will go after Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has been linked with Arsenal. He said,

“It is definitely not a no-go … It is still a possibility. If you look at his goalscoring record, it is incredible.”

“If he is available then again he is a player that interests me. I think if any top-class player becomes available then you have to be interested and if Darren Bent does go then maybe we will be interested.”

While I rarely add my personal opinions in posts, I have to say this. How much money can a club blow on strikers? Even if Bent leaves, they have spent money on: Defoe, Keane, Pavlyuchenko, Crouch, and now possibly Huntelaar. Wow.

According to ESPN Soccernet, midfielder Patrick Vieira might return to Arsenal. Legend Ian Wright said on his Talksport show,

“I’m hearing Vieira, pay-as-you-play, back at Arsenal … That’s what I’m hearing, and that’s what I’m hoping.”

Vieira has been drawing interested from Harry Redknapp at Tottenham.

According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Aston Villa are preparing a £12million bid for West Ham United defender Matthew Upson.

According to John Silk at Goal.com, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson admitted that he hasn’t had any contact from Arsenal for defender Brede Hangeland. He said,

“We read the speculation about Brede, but you only get concerned when a club contacts you … I’m not bothered about it. If Arsenal wanted one of our players and could afford to entice him away, like Manchester City are, we would have to deal with that situation.”

“But it’s only speculation brought about by people seeing that Arsenal are losing a centre-back and saying, ‘If I were the Arsenal manager I’d go for him.”

UPDATE: According to Sky Sports News, West Ham United are interested in Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. Boss Gianfranco Zola said,

“Lots of players have been linked to West Ham and Gudjohnsen is one of them … We would love to have him playing for us, but we will see what happens.”

July 24th, 2009 According to Lucas Brown at Goal.com, The Times is reporting that Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is set to have serious discussions with clubs next week. HIs agent and father Arnor Gudjohnsen said,

According to the London Evening Standard, Fulham captain Danny Murphy wants to finish his career at the club. He said,

“The manager wants me and I want to spend the rest of my career here. There’s no doubting that … The club is moving forward. We’re looking towards another productive season.”

“I’m the captain. What more do I want? I’m just completely content.”

According to Darren Lewis at the Daily Mirror, Stoke City are prepared to sign West Ham United striker Dean Ashton once United are able to sign a replacement. Stoke City boss Tony Pulis said,

“You are always taking a risk, you are always taking a chance with people who have had injuries … But we took Ricardo Fuller and nobody would touch Rick. We paid Southampton a nominal fee for him.”

“He’s come to the club and I don’t think he has missed a day’s training. The only time he has missed game has been through suspension! Not injuries.”

“So now and then you have to take a chance. And if they’ve got the quality that you can’t get anywhere else then even more so.”

According to ESPN Soccernet, Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has handed in a transfer request. Alonso hopes that this will speed up a move to Real Madrid.

According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Fulham are interested in Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth. A deal for Huth could cost around £2million.

According to Sky Sports News, West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has been working hard to sign Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. Zola said,

“I have done everything I can to sign Mario … It would be in both our interests if he came to West Ham … There’s no place for him at Inter and he’s a natural talent.”

According to ESPN Soccernet, Galatasaray have signed Manchester City midfielder Elano for about £8million. Elano signed a four-year deal with the club.

According to John Cross at the Daily Mirror, Chelsea are preparing to offer Ashley Cole and Joe Cole new long-term contracts.

UPDATE: According to Edwin Chong at Sky Sports News, Lee Chung-yong has been granted a work permit which is one of the few things needed before the deal to Bolton can be completed.

July 25th, 2009 According to ESPN Soccernet, Bolton are set to official sign FC Seoul footballer Lee Chung-yong once Chung-yong is granted a work permit. He said,

According to Graeme Bailey at Sky Sports News, Portsmouth are in talks with free-agent goalkeeper Antti Niemi. Niemi told Ilta-Sanomat,

“I have talked with Portsmouth, and there is an interest on both sides … The deal is not done, that is entirely premature … We will see what happens this week, when things should move on.”

According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Hull City are interested in Bolton defender Nicky Hunt. Hunt was told he can leave the club on a free transfer since they recently signed Sam Ricketts.

According to Sky Sports News, Wolfsburg have agreed to a fee with Newcastle for striker Obafemi Martins, who has been linked with Arsenal before.

The fee is said to be worth around £9million.

According to Liverpool’s official website, Liverpool have agreed to sell defender Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid. A Liverpool spokesman said,

“We have agreed a fee with Real Madrid for the transfer of the player, subject to him completing a medical.”

According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Crystal Palace are looking to sell striker/winger Victor Moses, who has drawn interest from Sunderland and Wigan Athletic.

It is reported that Moses will cost around £5million.

According to Everton’s official website, Everton have rejected a second bid from Manchester City for Joleon Lescott worth £18million.

According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Tottenham are prepared to make a “player-plus-cash £8million” bid for Hull City defender Michael Turner.

However, ESPN Soccernet is reporting that it will take a “ridiculous” bid to sign Michael Turner. Hull City boss Phil Brown said,

“We did a tremendous piece of business last year signing Michael on a four year contract.”

“That was an improved deal because of the exploits from last season. He is knocking on the door of the England set-up and consequently when you play like that you are going to attract attention.”

“But as far as I am concerned Michael is at the club as a Hull City player, it would be difficult to hang on to him if a ridiculous bid came in but as we stand no bids are on the table.”

“We have been subject to an awful lot of speculation in the close season and there is no secret we are trying to improve the squad. There are a lot mischievous people out there that are trying to create things that are not there.”

“I had a drink with Harry this afternoon and all we talked about was where he sees Tottenham this season or where I see Hull this season … There was no talk over exchanges of players or transfer bids or any of that.”