Jermaine Pennant, loaned to Portsmouth from Liverpool last season, is a possible target for Manchester City to provide competition for winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Manchester United are considering a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, who is yet to sign a new contract.

Javier Mascherano’s future at Liverpool hangs in the balance with news the midfielder’s agent has held talks with Barcelona.

Tottenham have been talking to Real Madrid about a proposal to subsidise Arjen Robben’s wages in return for the Dutch winger moving to White Hart Lane.

Sporting Lisbon are set to make a second offer for Man City’s Felipe Caicedo after Mark Hughes’ club rejected their initial bid of £5m for the striker.

Manchester United and Arsenal target Lyon forward Karim Benzema looks set to stay with the French club for at least another year after committing his immediate future to the French outfit before going on holiday.

Ajax centre-back Thomas Vermaelen will have a medical at Arsenal today ahead of signing a four-year deal. “The signature is not there yet, but everything is in order,” said Vermaelen.

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is being used as bait with manager Martin O'Neill eyeing up Tottenham’s Tom Huddlestone.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has confirmed he made an enquiry about taking on former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.

Portsmouth centre-back Sol Campbell is mulling over an offered 50 per cent wage cut to stay at Fratton Park, with Basel and Fenerbahce also attracting interest in the former England star.

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has sanctioned Paul Scharner’s desire to leave the Lancashire club. Scharner has voiced his interest in securing an exit from the Latics as he seeks the “next step” in his career.