According to Sky Sports News, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is getting frustrated with Tottenham over a possible deal for Darren Bent. Bruce said,

“It is a frustrating time for everyone concerned but until we reach an agreement with Spurs then obviously we can’t get the player.”

“We thought we had an agreement a couple of times but things have changed … I have to say this though, there comes a time when I have to draw the line.”

“I have been at it for weeks and one or two of our other targets have drifted away from us because I have been targeting Darren, but we will see.”

According to Paul Hetherington at the Daily Star, Stoke City have made a £15million bid for Tottenham striker Darren Bent.

According to ESPN Soccernet, AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani admitted that he wants more from Chelsea for midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Chelsea reportedly offered $11.3million + striker Claudio Pizarro. However Galliani told Sky Italia,

“At this price Pirlo is not for sale,”

UPDATE: According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Hull City are still interested in Newcastle footballer Habib Beye despite having their £2million bid rejected. Hull boss Phil Brown said,

“We’ve gone as far as a bid for Beye, but we’re awaiting discussions at the Newcastle end.”

July 24th, 2009 According to the Hull Daily Mail, Hull City are being linked with Newcastle defender Habib Beye. Beye is also linked with Everton, Bolton, and West Ham United in the article.

According to Nadia Carminati at Sky Sports News, Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi admitted that he will not be going to Arsenal. He said,

“I’ve read about it (the rumours) in the papers, but there is nothing in it … Roma have defined me as unavailable and I only wish to stay here.”

UPDATE: According to ESPN Soccernet, Zenit striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who has been linked with Blackburn, is set to join Stuttgart. Stuttgart sporting director Horst Heldt said,

”Apart from Sunday’s medical, everything is perfect … ‘We have agreed a deal with the club and the player.”

July 27th, 2009 According to Andy Cryer at the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn are interested in signing Zenit St Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak if they are unsuccesful is signing Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo on loan.

According to Robin Bairner at Goal.com, a deal between Arsenal and Bordeaux for striker Marouane Chamakh will get done fast if Arsenal makes a proper offer. Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud told AFP,

“We must believe that Arsene Wenger knows the true value of a player of [Chamakh’s] talent, which, for now, is not the case. If he should make an acceptable offer, it is necessary that [the deal is done] fast.”

UPDATE: According to Sky Sports News, Burnley boss Owen Coyle admitted that he is interested in Independiente del Valle midfielder Fernando Guerrero. He said,

“He is a player we like … We’ve continued a bit of dialogue with his club and we will probably know more at the start of the week … He is an exciting young player and we’ll see what comes of it.”

July 16th, 2009 According to the Daily Mirror, Burnley are preparing a bid of £2million for Independiente winger Fernando Guerrero.

UPDATE: According to ESPN Soccernet, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has not ruled out signing Patrick Vieira. He said,

‘We are nowhere near to making a decision like that, but it is a possibility. We do not rule it out and we do not say we will do it - and that is my decision at the moment.”

”I am aware that he wants to come here. I think Patrick is a legend here and he would always like to come back to this club. That would be his first choice.”

”With emotion you always like the club you spent time with. But as a professional as well, you always give 100% for whichever club you sign for.”

July 30th, 2009 According to ESPN Soccernet, midfielder Patrick Vieira might return to Arsenal. Legend Ian Wright said on his Talksport show,

According to Sky Sports News, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes confirmed he is interested in Leeds United starlet Fabian Delph. When asked about Delph after today’s match, Hughes said,

“We have an interest in the situation … He is a young player who has been brought to our attention … I’m not sure where we are up to with that because obviously I have been busy with the game today.”

According to John Cross and Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Everton are interested in Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos as it appears that Joleon Lescott might be on the way out.

UPDATE: According to Chris Burton at Sky Sports News, Portsmouth are still trying to get Hajduk Split striker Nikola Kalinic. Although talks broke down between the two clubs, Portsmouth are not done. Manager Paul Hart said,

“We have not given up.”

July 23rd, 2009 According to Fotis Voinikas and Giscard Gourizro at Sky Sports News, Portsmouth plan on having talks with Hajduk Split striker Nikola Kalinic.