Everton
Sylvain Distin believes Everton need "one or two" players to strengthen their squad before the start of the season - but that is without any departures. Arsenal are reportedly preparing to launch another bid for Distin's centre-back partner Phil Jagielka after having a £10 million (Dh59.8m) offer rejected last week. "Hopefully none of the top players will leave, but I think we definitely need to strengthen our team a bit," Distin told the Liverpool Echo. "That doesn't mean we don't have quality now, but we have a small squad and we will get injuries - that is the Premier League - so it could be tough."
Blackburn Rovers
Steve Kean is set to complete his first signing of the summer after the Blackburn manager revealed he is on the verge of bringing the Partizan Belgrade midfielder Radosav Petrovic to the club. A work permit is the only obstacle to the 22-year-old Serbian being unveiled as a Rovers player. "He's a fantastic player, I've seen him for a number of years. Unfortunately for us we lost Jermaine Jones back to Schalke and we've been looking to strengthen in that area," Kean said.
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton have completed the signings of Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears from Burnley. The midfielder Eagles, 25, and the defender Mears, 28, have both agreed three-year contracts. "Both Chris and Tyrone are top players and have shown that they have the ability to compete successfully at the highest level," said Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager, who knows the players from his time in charge at Burnley. "I have worked with them both before and know what they will bring to the club in terms of character and commitment and along with Nigel Reo-Coker, we have added real quality to the squad."
Queens Park Rangers
QPR announced yesterday that they have had a bid accepted by Blackpool for DJ Campbell. A statement on the club's website said: "The Tangerines frontman, who scored 13 goals in 31 appearances in the Barclays Premier League last season, will now discuss personal terms with the Rs over the coming days, ahead of a potential move to Loftus Road." The forward would become Neil Warnock's fourth summer signing, following Jay Bothroyd, Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon.
Arsenal
Arsenal will be without Abou Diaby for the start of the Premier League season after the midfielder underwent ankle surgery. The France international was troubled by the problem last season and will miss three league matches and the play-offs for a spot in the Champions League group stage. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said: "he should be back eight to 10 weeks after his surgery." Wenger also confirmed Cesc Fabregas will sit out the Emirates Cup this weekend. "He is not settled, with his injury and his situation," Wenger said.
Swansea City
Leroy Lita, the Middlesbrough striker, yesterday edged closer to a move to Swansea after agreeing personal terms with the Premier League newcomers. A fee of £1.75 million (Dh10.5m was agreed earlier in the week. The 26 year old will undergo a medical next week before signing a three-year deal. Huw Jenkins, the Swansea chairman, said: "Myself and [the manager] Brendan [Rodgers] are delighted to come to an agreement with Leroy.''
