Updated 15.00
Arsenal close to Elneny deal: The Basel defensive midfielder is apparently in London to finalise his move to the club.
Blues keen on Berahino, Vardy: Jamie Vardy and Saido Berahino are believed to be at the top of Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink’s January wish-list.
United eyeing Gomes: Manchester United are reportedly lining up a bid for Valencia’s Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes.
Lucrative contract for Pennant: Former Arsenal, Liverpool and Stoke midfielder Jermaine Pennant is set to become the highest paid player in Singapore football history after agreeing terms with Tampines Rovers.
New contract for Mignolet: Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet looks set to be rewarded with a new deal despite an erratic first half of the season.
Hibs keen on Stokes loan deal: Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs is believed to be looking to sign out-of-favour Celtic striker Anthony Stokes on a loan deal. The Dubliner hasn’t played for Celtic since 22 August and is expected to make the move back to Easter Road.
Toffees chasing Byram: Everton are now favourites to sign Leeds’ highly-rated midfielder/defender Sam Byram after Roberto Martinez sent a scout to watch the 22-year-old on Tuesday night. West Ham are also interested in the player.
Fletcher to China: Shanghai Shenua are reportedly lining up an £8 million (€10.7 million) move for Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher. The Chinese Super League team are also believed to be interested in making a bid for Newcastle defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote.
Ivanovic staying put: Chelsea’s Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic has reportedly signed a one-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge, putting an end to speculation about his future, for now.
Retro Deal of the Day
Christophe Dugarry made his debut for Birmingham City 12 years ago yesterday and after a sluggish start to his career at the club, the World Cup winner was soon idolised by the fans.
Steve Bruce signed the then 31-year-old on loan. It was April before the Frenchman found the net for the club but he soon went on a prolific scoring run — bagging five in four games — that helped City to a 13th place finish in the Premier League.
Dugarry’s obvious class made him a cult hero at the club, and even though his time with the Blues fizzled out after he made his loan move permanent, he will always be remembered fondly in Birmingham.
So much so that he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2010, remarkable when you consider he scored just six goals in 37 games.