According to Jordan Cross at The News, Portsmouth have agreed to a deal in principle for free-agent striker Mark Viduka. Manager Paul Hart said,

“We’ll be trying hard with getting players in over the next few days … Expecting is a word I don’t use anymore, though! We are trying and hopefully there will be something we can do before next weekend.”

“We made him a good offer which has been accepted, so I’m just waiting to see what happens with him.”

According to West Ham United’s official website, West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury admitted that the club is in search of a striker. He said,

“I know the fans are waiting for us to sign at least one more forward and that is what we are working to do … Gianfranco, Gianluca Nani and I are absolutely aware that we need to bring at least one more into the squad as soon as possible. We are talking every day and working very hard to make this happen. The reality is we are looking at top-quality players and these deals can take time.”

According to Colin Tattum at the Birmingham Mail, Birmingham City are in the market for a left-back and a centre-back. Several possible centre-backs mentioned are: Bobo Balde, Sol Campbell, and Danny Shittu.

Possible left-backs mentioned in the article include: Armand Traore, Gregory Vignal, and Lee Naylor.

According to Rob Stewart at the Telegraph, Sunderland have given up their chase for Manchester City defender Richard Dunne and now plan on going after Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin. Sunderland hope to sign the defender for around £5million.

According to Marc Iles at the Bolton News, Bolton have made a £3million take-it or leave-it bid for Swansea City midfielder Ferrie Bodde. Swansea supposedly want £5million for him however.

According to Sky Sports News, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admitted that he is interested in Hull City defender Michael Turner. He said,

“I was talking with (Hull manager) Phil Brown, but I will not talk about figures.”

UPDATE: According to Aston Villa’s official website, Aston Villa have signed Newcastle defender Habib Beye for an undisclosed fee. Beye signed a three-year deal with the club.

August 6th, 2009 According to Sky Sports News, Hull City have agreed to a fee for Newcastle defender Habib Beye. Hull City chairman Paul Duffen said,

According to Everton’s official website, Everton boss David Moyes admitted for a third time that he will not be selling his players. He told evertonTV,

“We are consistent here … We told everyone just after last season that we wouldn’t be selling any players and they are still here.”

Despite these statements, Manchester City have been trying hard to sign defender Joleon Lescott.