[ Liverpool ]
Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, returned to England yesterday to finalise the signing of Stewart Downing from Aston Villa after he sumitted a transfer request to force Aston Villa's hand. In other news, Ovidio Colucci, the agent for Alexander Doni, said the goalkeeper will complete his move to Anfield from Roma. The 31 year old is expected to sign a two-year contract. Downing and Doni follow the signings of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.
[ Tottenham Hotspur ]
Harry Redknapp reiterated that Luka Modric was not for sale amid reports the star playmaker had handed in a written transfer request. Modric is keen to quit Spurs for London rivals Chelsea, who have had a £22m offer for the 25 year old rebuffed and who have reportedly returned with a £27 million offer this week.
Despite reports that Modric had now handed in a formal transfer request to try and force a move away, Redknapp, the manager, insisted the club's stance had not shifted. Redknapp told BBC Sport: "We know he wants to leave and whether he writes it down on a piece of paper doesn't really make any difference to our stance. He's a great player and we don't want to lose him."
[ Sunderland ]
Alberto Aquilani's agent has dismissed reports linking the Italian with a move to Sunderland this summer. Speculation in the English media claim the Black Cats are considering strengthening their squad by signing the Liverpool midfielder.
However, when asked about the link with Sunderland, Aquilani's agent, Franco Zavaglia, said to Tuttomercatoweb.com: "Right now, I firmly believe that Aquilani will play at Liverpool next season." The 26-year-old Aquilani has also been linked with AC Milan, but Zavaglia said that move was unlikely.
[ Blackburn Rovers ]
Blackburn appear poised to complete the signing of Cedric Mongongu, the Monaco central defender.Mongongu is currently in talks with Rovers about a deal as Steve Kean, the Rovers' manager, attempts to plug the gap created by the transfer of Phil Jones' to Manchester United.
Although Blackburn and Kean are in pole position to sign Mongongu, it is understood French champions Lille are also in the hunt. However, the player's agent, Christophe Mongai, has made it clear Rovers are Mongongu's first choice given his desire to play in the Premier League. "He would like to join Blackburn Rovers," Mongai told the Lancashire Telegraph. "There have been a lot of clubs interested in him, but yes, he wants to come to Blackburn and the Premier League."
[ West Bromwich Albion ]
West Brom's hopes of re-signing Zoltan Gera are on schedule after the 32-year-old midfielder underwent a successful ankle operation last week. Any deal with Albion was dependent on him recovering fully. Roy Hodgson, the Baggies head coach, told the Wolverhampton Express and Star: "We are very hopeful that he will recover fully and our medical staff will pass him fit, and he will sign for us." Gera is a free agent after being released by Fulham.
