Manchester United have made an enquiry for Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, according to the player's agent.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol admitted earlier on Friday that he had received an approach for the Bulgarian ace, but that the enquiry was rebuffed.

Jol also insisted he 'would rather die than sell Berbabtov' after he was asked about the player's future.

Berbatov's long-term future at White Hart Lane has been the subject of speculation for the last few weeks, amid reports of a bust-up with Jol.

Both Jol and Berbatov have played down talk of a rift as Spurs look to keep hold of their star man.

United have held a long-term interest in Berbatov and they have been linked with a move for the former Bayer Leverkusen forward all summer.

Berbatov's agent Emil Danchev claims he held talks with Spurs over United's interest and that a decision is expected to be made on the player's future early next week.

Meeting

"We had a 90-minute meeting with Tottenham's chairman Daniel Levy and with sporting director Damien Comolli over Dimitar's future," Danchev told Bulgarian Darik radio.

"They informed us that there's a query from Manchester United about the possibility of Berbatov joining them.

"They (Tottenham bosses) let us believe that they want Dimitar to stay for another season because they have ambitions to finish among top four teams in the Premiership but they told us they'll have a meeting in the next day or two to decide his future."

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_2683503,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Manchester United have rejected reports they have made a bid for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Berbatov's agent has claimed United have made an enquiry for the Bulgarian international and that Tottenham plan to make a decision over Berbatov's future next week.

Spurs boss Martin Jol admitted earlier on Friday that he had rejected an approach from an unnamed club for Berbatov and vowed the player was going nowhere.

United have moved to deny they have made a bid for the classy forward.

No bid

"Manchester United is linked with many players in every transfer window," United chief executive David Gill told the club's official website.

"The club has categorically not made a bid for Dimitar Berbatov."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he did fail in a move for a striker earlier this summer and he concedes he is unlikely to bring in any more new signings before the close of the transfer window next week.

"We made an inquiry about a striker not so long ago. The club concerned would not sell and it remains that way," Ferguson told XFM.

"With a week to the transfer deadline, it would be impossible to get anyone else in now."

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_2683623,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Skysports.com understands Manchester City are weighing up a move for Julio Baptista as they look to ease their striking problems.

City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is searching for a new forward after losing summer signing Valeri Bojinov to a long-term injury.

A host of players including Nicolas Anelka and Nuno Gomes have been linked with City and now Baptista is believed to have come under Eriksson's scrutiny.

Baptista last season on loan at Arsenal and it is not known if he features in the plans of new Real coach Bernd Schuster.

Baptista nicknamed 'The Beast' failed to shine at Arsenal, but the striker enjoyed a good summer helping Brazil win the Copa America and Eriksson sees the striker as the ideal replacement for Bojinov.

City are pondering making a loan move for the burly forward as they look to add to their attacking options.

A snag could be that Real are only thought to be willing to sell the burly forward rather than sending him out on loan again like they did with Arsenal last season.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_2683714,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Andy Cole now a Sunderland player.

I think Ayeigbeni has made the right choice going to Everton

Obagoal made the right choice by staying at Castle.

Leicester have made a bid for Tottenham's [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Murphy_%28footballer_born_1977%29]Danny Murphy[/url] - Mirror

Sunderland are to offer Stern John to Southampton in exchange for Kenwyne Jones - People

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is looking to bring in experienced midfielder Tugay (Mirror) and is also ready to revive his interest in Stephen Appiah - Various

Major League Soccer chiefs are lining up a move for Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko - Various

The Mirror claims Birmingham have set their sights on Atletico Madrid star Peter Luccin, while according to the People they are also targeting Marseille's Cameroon international [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modeste_M%27Bami]Modeste M'Bami[/url]

Bayern Munich are planning a move for Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen - News of the World

Middlesbrough are considering a swoop for PSV Eindhoven striker Arouna Kone - Daily Star

Arsenal are keen on Ajax left-back Urby Emanuelson - People

Liverpool's Gabriel Paletta will join Boca Junios after Rafa Benitez gave the move the go-ahead - Daily Star

Everton's bid to sign Middlesbrough's Nigerian striker Yakubu for £11.25m has encountered a hitch after the 24-year-old was refused a work permit.

He opted out of playing for Nigeria in 2006, so fails to meet the Home Office requirement of playing in 75% of his country's games in the last two years.

Everton have appealed against the home office decision and will hear the result on Wednesday.

The Toffees agreed the fee with Boro to sign Yakubu earlier in the week.

Yakubu is second only to Thierry Henry in the Premier League goals over the last four years.

Portsmouth were also said to be interested in re-signing Yakubu, who they bought from Maccabi Haifa in 2003, before two years later selling him to Boro, where he clocked up 29 goals in 65 Premier League games.

Yakubu featured in Boro's opening two Premier League games of the season but the missed the next two games against Fulham and Newcastle.

BBC Sport

arsenal just made a $9 million bid 4 obafemi martins

Pls can you confirm where this information is coming from?

vichel:

arsenal just made a $9 million bid 4 obafemi martins

where did you get that from, haven't seen anything whatsoever concerning this.

yeah bbc.com sunday's gossip and transfer news

Manuel Fernandes has left Benfica for Valencia despite assuring Everton boss David Moyes on Thursday that he would move to Goodison Park in "24 hours".

Fernandes, who was on loan at Everton last season, arrived in England on Thursday to sort out his transfer.

He was a guest of Everton for their home game with Blackburn on Saturday after passing a medical at the club.

But the midfielder on Monday signed a six-year deal at Spanish side Valencia for a total fee of £12m.

Moyes now has until the transfer deadline closes on Friday to find another midfielder.

Fernandes's move to Everton had been complicated because he is part-owned by a third party, the Global Sports Agency.

He had already successfully completed a medical at Goodison Park, and the contracts - which included issues of third-party ownership - were being studied by Premier League officials.

Under Premier League rules, England's top clubs are not allowed to field a player owned by a third party who would have the "ability materially to influence its policies or the performance of its teams".

Everton, it is believed, were initially only buying 50% of the player from Benfica for £6m, with third-party companies owning the rest, though as part of the deal the Premier League club would retain an option to buy out the rest of the player after a fixed period.

That initially caused problems for the Premier League, which is clamping down on all third-party transfers in the wake of the Carlos Tevez affair, and Everton then moved to buy out the other 50% from the owners.

But third-party contracts are not an issue in Spain and Valencia are thought to have paid £6m to Benfica and the same amount to Global Sports Agency.

BBC Sport

well its just a rumour innit, should have said so in ur first post.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he has turned down the chance to bring Internazionale striker Adriano to Arsenal on loan.

The Serie A champions are willing to allow the Brazilian to leave on loan and he has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League.

Manchester City have been tipped to make a bid, while West Ham United have confirmed talks have been held with the powerful forward.

Sky Sports News understands Adriano is not keen on a switch to Upton Park, while Emirates Stadium was mooted as a possible destination.

But Arsenal boss Wenger revealed Inter wanted a player in exchange and that Adriano is 'not needed' in North London.


Enough options


"I was offered Adriano, but he is not needed," said Wenger at a press conference.

"I am not looking to bring anyone in at the moment.

"Inter wanted us to take Adriano on loan, but also wanted to take one of the players from our squad.

"I won't say who they were after, but it would have meant losing a player I want to keep and getting one in return who I do not desperately want.

"It is nothing to do with the quality of Adriano, but I already have Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor, Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner to play through the middle."

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2692377,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Lazio have expressed an interest in signing Internazionale striker Adriano.

The Brazilian is considering his future at Giuseppe Meazza ahead of the close of the transfer window on Friday.

Inter are prepared to sanction a loan deal for the forward, but Adriano is only keen to leave on a permanent basis.

Arsenal have turned down the chance of a deal, while West Ham United have made an approach for Adriano.

Manchester City have also been linked with a bid, but Lazio could offer the burly front man the opportunity to stay in Serie A.


Important player


Speaking after Lazio secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League group phase with victory over Dinamo Bucharest, Delio Rossi acknowledged his interest in Adriano.

However, the Lazio coach also warned that the player must show the correct attitude to secure a move to the Italian capital.

"Adriano is an important player," Rossi told Rai TV. "I wish he would come to Lazio.

"But, if he comes, he should come with the right spirit."

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_2692613,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Tabloid Talk

Chelsea and Tottenham are discussing a swap deal involving Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe - The Sun

West Ham have been told to up their bid to £6million for Reading left-back Nicky Shorey - The Sun

Reading are closing in on Fulham defender Liam Rosenior - The Sun

Portsmouth are homing in on the £2.5million capture of Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop - The Sun

Aston Villa are still keen on West Brom's £10m-rated defender Curtis Davies despite the deal for Zat Knight - The Sun

Manchester City are set to sign Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen on a season-long loan - Daily Star

Fulham want Paris Saint Germain defender Sammy Traore to replace Knight - Daily Star

Manchester duo United and City are still battling it out for Nicolas Anelka - Daily Mirror

Middlesbrough want City striker Georgios Samaras - Daily Mirror

Birmingham are set to sign Monaco striker Mohamed Kallon on a season-long loan - Daily Mirror

Man City are closing in on Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta - Daily Mirror

City are also trying to put together a deal for Real Madrid attacker Julio Baptista - The Guardian

And, to continue the City theme, Sven Goran Eriksson also wants Inter striker Adriano - Daily Mail

Fulham are to bid £4million for Blackburn striker [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Roberts_%28footballer%29]Jason Roberts[/url] - Daily Mail

Everton have completed the signing of Yakubu Aiyegbeni after he was granted a work permit.

Yakubu has tied up his £11.25million move to Goodison Park after being granted a work permit on appeal by the Home Office.

The former Portsmouth striker was initially refused a work permit because he has failed to play 75 per cent of Nigeria's games in the last two years.

Everton had agreed a deal with Middlesbrough last week and the Nigerian has signed a five-year contract.



European ambition


"I have always said that I want to play for a club that plays in Europe," the striker told Everton's website.

"I think they have the ambition to move forward and they want to finish in the first four and the Champions League and Uefa Cup and for me that is my dream.

"I chose to go to Middlesbrough because they were in Europe.

"At the moment they are not doing it. I think I made the right decision to come to this place."

Yakubu could go straight into the squad and make his debut this weekend against Bolton.


[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2693353,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Sevilla have bolstered their ranks with the capture of [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arouna_Kon%C3%A9]Arouna Kone[/url] on a five-year deal.

The Ivory Coast international completed his switch from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for a fee believed to be in the region of 12 million euros [£8.1 million].

With very little time left before the transfer window slams shut, PSV have stated that they are keen to find a replacement for the 23-year-old striker.

A clause in Kone's Sevilla contract ensures that if a bid of 30 million euros is received, he will be granted permission to speak to interested parties.

Kone bagged 21 goals for PSV in his two-season stay at the Philips Stadion and the capture goes someway to increasing Sevilla's fire-power, as they look to compete on both the domestic and European stage.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2697082,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted that the UEFA Champions League is the club's 'elusive competition', in the aftermath of Thursday's draw in Monaco.

Jose Mourinho's side were drawn in Group B, alongside Valencia, who they knocked out of the competition last season, Schalke and Rosenborg.

After reaching the semi-final stage twice in the last four years, Kenyon admits the club are desperate to reach a final.


Seeded

"The big difference for us this year is we're seeded. We've been in two semi-finals in the last four years and got through the group stages every year," he said.

"It's the elusive competition for us really but there's a determination and that is fuelled by a squad we believe we've strengthened.

"It's not frustrating at all (to have missed out on a place in the final) but there's a huge expectation within Chelsea to get to the next stage.

"We've had our share of semis, so obviously the next stage is to get to the final.

"This is clearly a big ambition for us and one we'd like to pull off."


No signings

Kenyon continued to reiterate the club's stance with regards their reported pursuit of Barcelona's Ronaldinho.


Earlier in the day Kenyon stated his belief that Chelsea would not bring in any new faces before the close on the transfer window on Friday, and after the draw, nothing had changed his mind.


"There's been no discussion (about Ronaldinho)," he said.


"Yes, there's been a lot of speculation, as there continually is around Chelsea.

"Players of that calibre don't move in January. One, they're cup-tied (for the

Champions League) and two, they are not the transfers you do in January.

"We had a set of targets and we've concluded them, to be fair. What we've brought in is what we've targeted."


Kenyon would, though, concede that full-back Glen Johnson may be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.


"Our plans are complete but there may be a couple of players leaving.

"That will become evident within the next 24 hours. Glen may be one of those who is looking to move on."


[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_2696433,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Portsmouth Sign Chelsea's Glen Johnson for more than 3 million pounds on four-year contract

Skysports News

Birmingham City have bolstered their numbers with the loan addition of Olimpia midfielder Wilson Palacios.

The 23-year-old has initially joined until the end of December, although manager Steve Bruce could retain Palacios until 2010 with the choice of an additional two-year option.

Palacios is the second midfielder to join the Blues on transfer deadline day following the arrival of Spanish international Borja Oubina.

City's new signing, who has more than 40 caps for Honduras, featured in this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2698732,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Werder Bremen have beaten the clock to push through a deadline day deal to sign Schalke's Sebastian Boenisch.

The highly-rated defender has put pen-to-paper on a four-year-deal with his new side, for a fee of 3million euros [£2million].

Bremen manager Klaus Allofs said: "I am very glad that we have got the transfer through in time.

"We wanted to do this before the summer window closes."

The 20-year-old has echoed his new manager's delight, and has stated that he is relishing the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League football.

Boenisch made nine appearances for Schalke before making the switch to their German rivals.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2698380,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Wolfsburg have signed Brazilian attacking midfielder Grafite from French side Le Mans for a reported fee of 8 million euros (£5.4 million).

The 28-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the Bundesliga side.

Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath spoke of his delight at sealing the transfer just hours before the transfer deadline.

"I'm delighted to get this deal done, almost at the last minute. Grafite is a powerful, classy forward," Magath said.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2698944,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Portsmouth have signed Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop on a three-year deal.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has been tracking the imposing midfielder for much of the summer and has finally landed his man.

The on-off saga of Gary O'Neil's switch to Middlesbrough delayed the deal for much of transfer deadline day.

But once O'Neil had agreed his move to The Riverside, the way was open for Portsmouth to land their man.

The Senegal international made 70 Premier League appearances for The Cottagers after joining from French side Lens in 2004.

With the Diop deal agreed, Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez will try to conclude the signing of Tottenham's Danny Murphy.

It is understood the former Liverpool star has been at Craven Cottage for talks with a view to a switch across London.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2699108,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

Aston Villa have signed Togo international Moustapha Salifou for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder becomes Villa manager Martin O'Neill's third acquisition during the last 48 hours.

Salifou, 24, has moved to Villa Park from Swiss outfit FC Wil on a one-year contract.

Salifou played in all three of his country's group matches in the 2006 World Cup in Germany alongside Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebeyor.


Determination

He follows defenders Zat Knight and Curtis Davies into Villa Park to take O'Neill's summer signings to six in total.

O'Neill said of Salifou: "He has great determination to succeed at this level and may well prove to be an excellent asset."

Villa owner Randy Lerner has now spent more than £40million on new players since taking control of the club 12 months ago.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2698972,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

West Ham sign Nolberto Solano from Newcastle

Reading sign defender Liam Rosenior from Fulham on a 3 year deal

Skysports News

Hey i heard we got Diarra from Chelsea

ARSENAL LAND DIARRA

Arsenal have signed midfielder Lassana Diarra from Chelsea on a "long-term contract" for an undisclosed fee.



Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the Frenchman, who played against Arsenal in last season's Carling Cup final.


Diarra spoke of his admiration for the French tactician and revealed that Arsenal's free-flowing football was a deciding factor.


"I have great respect for the manager Arsene Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays," Diarra told the club's official website.



Trophies

"Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come."


Diarra spent much of last season playing at right-back for Chelsea but his natural role is at defensive midfield.


Wenger praised the versatility of the youngster, he said: "Lassana is a multi-functional player, making him a great addition to our squad.


"Not only is he hard working, he has a creative edge and is comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch or at right back."

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_2699485,00.html]Skysports.com[/url]

West Ham left it late on transfer deadline day before sealing the signings of Nolberto Solano from Newcastle and Henri Camara from Wigan.

Senegal striker Camara, 30, signed a season-long loan deal.

Peruvian international Solano, 32, joined on a one-year contract, with the option of another year.

Solano had informed Newcastle he wanted to move closer to London to be near his wife, from whom he is separated, and their children.

BBC Sport

Newcastle have completed the signing of Senegal defenders Abdoulaye Faye and Habib Beye for undisclosed fees from Bolton and Marseille respectively.

Faye, 29, links up with ex-Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, now in charge at Newcastle, who had signed him from Lens during the 2005-6 season.

He operated mainly as a defensive midfielder during his time at Bolton.

Marseille captain Beye, 29, can play at right-back or centre-back, and like Faye, has signed a three-year deal.

He had spent four years with Marseille after joining from Strasbourg in 2003.

The versatile 6ft 2in Faye began his career with Senegal outfits ASEC Ndiambour and Jeanne d'Arc before moving to Lens.

After a spell at French club Istres he joined Bolton on loan in the summer of 2005 before sealing a permanent deal in December of that year.

BBC Sport

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_O%27Neil]Gary O'Neil[/url] from Portsmouth for a fee believed to be £5m.

"I didn't think he would be available but he has now become available for various reasons at Portsmouth," said Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

"He's somebody I've been an admirer of for some time," added Southgate.

O'Neil, 24, started out as a trainee at Pompey and only signed a new five-year deal with the Fratton Park outfit in July 2006.

He made his debut for the club at 16 against Barnsley and had been a first-team regular for the past few seasons.

But Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp's need to raise money to complete other deals saw O'Neil being allowed to leave and the right-sided midfielder has been snapped up by Southgate.

Redknapp signed Glen Johnson and Papa Bouba Diop on transfer deadline day.

"I attempted to sign him when I first got this job this time last year and I tried again earlier this summer but I really didn't think we were going to be able to get him," said Southgate.

"But Harry Redknapp needed some money to buy another player he wants and that's worked in our favour."


BBC Sport

Reading have signed Liam Rosenior from Fulham, with Seol Ki-Hyeon moving in the opposite direction.

Both deals are for undisclosed fees with right-back Rosenior signing a three-year deal with the Royals.

"We are extremely pleased to be signing a very talented England Under-21 international," said Reading director of football Nick Hammond.

"He has significant Premier league experience but is also still only 23-year-old."

South Korean winger Seol spent last season with Reading after moving from Wolves and helped the club to an impressive first season in the Premier League.

Hammond added: "Seol's impact on the team was very significant in the early months of last season.

"He played an important role in establishing us in the Premier league during those important opening weeks."

BBC Sport