According to Rob Beasley at News of the World, Chelsea are planning to bid £45million for AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato and then loan him back to the club for a year. An insider at Chelsea said,

“Ancelotti’s so keen to capture Pato that he will pay a club record fee and still allow the kid to stay at Milan for another season. That tells you how highly he values him.”

However Sky Sports News has reported that AC Milan have denied this rumor. A statement was made on the club’s official website saying,

“With regards to the rumours circulated this morning by the English press, AC Milan clarify and reaffirm that there are no negotiations ongoing with Chelsea regarding Alexandre Pato, and that the player is absolutely non transferable.”

According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham defender Gareth Bale would like to play for AC Milan. However Milan have not made an offer and Bale has not discussed a move with the club. His agent Peppino Tirri told calciomercato.it,

“It’s true, the player likes Milan but for the moment no official offer has arrived for him … Many coaches are a fan of Bale, (Harry) Redknapp included. Unsellable? In today’s market there is no such thing as an unsellable player.”

UPDATE: According to the News of the World, Hull City are interested in Portsmouth striker David Nugent, who is worth around £4million.

August 6th, 2009 According to Neil Allen at The News, Portsmouth have received an enquiry for striker David Nugent and look like they will sell him. Executive chairman Peter Storrie said,

UPDATE: According to Matt Parker at The Sun, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is looking to sign Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin for £4million.

It is also reported that Sunderland are interested in Lyon defender John Mensah but Lyon’s asking price is currently too high.

August 8th, 2009 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 Rob Draper at the Mail On Sunday, Arsenal’s interest in Patrick Vieira has cooled down. Arsenal instead will look to the leadership of Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie.

According to Everton’s official website, Everton confirmed that they had received a bid from Besiktas for Louis Saha. However the club rejected the bid that was around £8million. Boss David Moyes said,

“Louis is someone we had a big bid for … But he didn’t want to go and we didn’t want to sell … It’s great news Louis wants to stay.”