Newcastle United give up on Dieumerci Mbokani

Newcastle United have today formally given up on their pursuit of Dieumerci Mbokani.  The Magpies had been tracking the Anderlecht striker but have decided that it is not in their best interest to get into a bidding war with Arsenal and Juventus.

The Democratic Republic of Congo centre forward has had a price tag of around €10m placed on him by Belgian side Anderlecht.  However officials at St James' Park expect the final fee to be a lot higher and have switched their attention to Benfica striker Rodrigo.

Alan Pardew came out last week and publicly dismissed any interest in Rodrigo but it is understood that behind the scenes he remains a primary target for the North East side.  Privately Pardew has been impressed by the effectiveness of Rodrigo and the Brazilian would be suited to the style of play at Newcastle. 

Everton set to approach FC Schalke 04 over Lewis Holtby

Everton are set to make an offer for German born Lewis Holtby.  Currently signed to Schalke 04 Holtby, a known Everton fan, has confided in friends he would be "over the moon" if an offer is made.

Holtby who was born in Germany to a British father and German mother has been on the Everton radar since his impressive season long loan with FSV Mainz 05 in 2010.

It is understood Everton manager, David Moyes, directed Everton scouts to keep a close eye on Holtby and their report identified him as a Midfielder that would adapt well to life in the Premier League.

The news will be welcomed in the Holtby household as both Lewis and his Liverpudlian father are both passionate Everton fans.  David Moyes would welcome a beating Everton heart in his midfield as he looks to cement Everton into the European places during the second half of the season.

Manchester United and Arsenal set to go go head to head over Palace starlet

Manchester United have put themselves on a collision course with rivals Arsenal after they identified Wilfried Zaha as a primary January target.

Zaha, currently signed to Crystal Palace, has an ever growing circle of admirers but the two Premier League giants are set to battle it out over his signature.

Palace manager, Ian Holloway, has issued a hands off warning in the English press this afternoon.  In a scenario similar to the one he encountered as Blackpool manager, with the interest surrounding Charlie Adam, Holloway will know that despite his flamboyant warnings he will do well to keep hold of the talented youngster come January.

 

Arsenal yesterday threw their hat publicly in the ring when manager Arsene Wenger declared an interest to the gathered press.  Manchester United however have opted for a more covert approach which should please the Palace hierarchy.

 

Although Utd will push for a January transfer it is understood they are open to a New Year agreement which would see Zaha stay at Palace until the end of the season.

Initial indications are the fee could be as high as £17m but a more realistic figure would be around the £12m if a deal can be made to keep Zaha at Selhurst Park until the summer.

'The Damned Chelsea' - Sammy Lee's worry for old boss

Rafa Benitez's former assistant manager has today expressed his concerns over his former Boss' position at Chelsea.  Benitez, who has been hired on an interim basis, has been subject to loud and vehement protests since his arrival on The King's Road last Friday.

Sammy Lee, the current head of academy coaching and development at Bolton Wanderers, spent 3 years at Liverpool as the assistant manager and 2 years as Benitez's right hand man.

Sources close to Lee have disclosed that he has a real fear that a repeat of the 'Damned United' saga in 1974 could become a modern day nightmare for Benitez.

Lee, speaking to friends this afternoon, commented that "Rafa has so much to offer Chelsea, I only hope he doesn't end up sold down the river like Cloughy did at Leeds"

Benitez was an outspoken critic of the Chelsea fans, manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea playing style whilst he was the Liverpool manager.  The scenario draws many parallels to the Clough - Leeds events that took place 38 years ago when the outspoken Clough lasted 44 days in the Leeds hotseat.

If Benitez is to avoid a similar fate he will need to turn around the Chelsea support and also have the full backing of senior players such as John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.

Downing: No return to Villa

Aston Villa followed yesterday's informal question about the availability of  Stewart Downing with a formal request this morning.

Whilst Liverpool informed the Midlands side that Downing was available it has emerged that the player declared himself not interested in a move back to Villa Park.

Downing arrived on Merseyside from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011 and has so far failed to find the form that made him a Premier League regular for the Villans.  Sources close to Downing's family in Teeside have said that he has a desire to stay at Anfield and prove himself to both the management and the supporters.

Last week Middlesbrough enquired into the possibility of a loan move for Downing, to which the England international is reportedly open to.  However it is understood he would prefer a temporary move rather than a permanent switch back to his home-town club.

Arsenal are reportedly also tracking Downing and are potentially preparing a £10m bid in January.

can rescue his career after the England international's torrid time at Anfield

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Juventus prepare to offer €18.5m for Dzeko

Reports tonight have surfaced in Italy that Juventus are preparing to make a bid for Manchester City's out of favour striker Edin Dzeko.

Sources close to Beppe Marotta have confirmed that the Turin giants are set to offer Manchester City €18.5m for the services of Dzeko.  Although it was widely reported earlier in the month that Juventus would not be entering into the January market, manager Antonio Conte is desperate to add to his striking options.

Dzeko, who has frequently found himself on the City bench, is reported to be exceptionally frustrated at his lack of starts since moving to Manchester from Wolfsburg and would be responsive to a move to Italy.

The stumbling block may well be the price.  Manchester City will look for considerably more than €18.5m, while Dzeko would be expected to take a drop in wages to join The Old Lady of Turin.

Liverpool look to Wilfried Bony to partner Suarez

With representatives already in Germany and Russia it has now emerged that Liverpool staff have been sounding out Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony.

Liverpool are desperate to find an attacking partner for Luis Suarez and Dutch sources have this evening confirmed that representatives from the Anfield side have been in Arnhem discussing a potential £8m swoop.

Bony, who is also being tracked by Chelsea, has 14 goals in 12 games for the Eredivisie outfit this season who currently sit 3rd in the Dutch top division.

Insiders at Vitesse have said Bony would be open to a move to Anfield and would relish the opportunity to play alongside Suarez.

Boney joined Vitesse Arnhem from Sparta Prague in 2011 and has settled into life well in Holland.  His goal return is one of the highest in Europe and something Liverpool would benifit from greatly.

A bid of around £8m would open negotiations.  Liverpool continue to track Lacina Traore and Alexander Meier as they look to improve their firepower.

Arsenal poised to offer Huntelaar dream move

Arsenal scouts were present Saturday as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar fired Schalke 04 into an 11 minute lead versus Bundesliga high-fliers, Eintracht Frankfurt, at the Arena AufSchalke.

Huntelaar, who has been heavily linked with Liverpool since the summer, is known to have a desire to join the Gunners should a move to England become a reality.

A number of Premier League scouts have been camped in the AufSchalke for the past few weeks as Huntelaar aproaches the end of his contract with Schalke.

Although Schalke would be disappointed to lose Huntelaar they are willing to let him leave for a fee of around €8m in January, rather than let him walk out on a free transfer in the Summer.

Champions League football is the top of Huntelaar's requirement list for any English club, currently Arsenal are favourites to capture the clinical forward who is known to be an admirer of manager Arsene Wenger.

Huntelaar is extremely strong in the air and has a knack of finding the net, whilst at Ajax he scored a magnificent 76  league goals in 92 games.

After losing Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Arsene Wenger is keen to find a forward of a similar calibre.

Sources close to Huntelaar have hinted the Dutchman has a desire to leave the Bundesliga in January.  He is aware of Arsenal's interest and is awaiting an official approach by the North London club.
  

Djibril Cissé wants QPR exit in January

Reports this evening from Manchester indicate that Djibril Cissé issued a 'let me leave' plea to QPR soon after the final whistle at Old Trafford.

Cissé has found it difficult to adapt to life at the Hoops since his move and the the sacking of Mark Hughes on Friday is believed to have made his mind up.

Cissé joined QPR in January of this year on a 2½ year deal worth approximately £60k per week, but has failed to find popularity with the home crowd.

Cissé, 31, was subject to a dressing down by QPR fans last week via his Twitter page when he was told by a supporter he “couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo” following his team’s 3-1 defeat against Southampton.

He arrived at QPR at the start of this year with Bobby Zamora and directly attributed his move to Mark Hughes.  Cisse speaking in January said of Hughes:  "He wanted to sign me at Manchester City and now I am finally here with him at QPR"

Cissé, although keen to leave London, is said to be happy back in England.  He previously lived in the North West and sources close to the Frenchman say he would prefer a move back to that part of the country.

Aston Villa chase Crewe's Luke Murphy

Aston Villa are keeping a very close eye on Crewe Alexandra's highly rated midfielder, Luke Murphy, according to a well placed Midlands source.

The 23 year old has been Crewe's stand-out performer this season and is reportedly being tracked by a number of Premier League and Championship sides.

However, it is Aston Villa who seem the most determined to land the signature of the former Gresty Road academy player.  Murphy would add some much needed creativity in the Villa centre where assists have been lacking this season.

Crewe will try desperately to keep Murphy in the January window but with him attracting so much attention they know they face an uphill battle.  If Aston Villa, as expected, table an offer that is deemed acceptable then the player would be keen to test his skills at the highest level.

Murphy is currently under contact to the North West side until 2014.  Lambert, who sent representatives to watch Murphy in the 3-3 midweek draw with Sheffield United, has been impressed by the youngsters start to the season and sees him as an ideal addition to his squad.

PSG spark Ashley Cole rumours

Paris Saint-Germain have sparked intense rumours that they intend to capture Chelsea want-a-way Ashley Cole.

Very early Saturday morning the official PSG Twitter account, @PSG_inside, tweeted:

Angleterre Ashley Cole arrière gauche sera un joueur Rouge et Bleu cet été #PSG

The tweet, which in English roughly translates as "English left back Ashley Cole will become a Red and Blue player this summer", was very quickly deleted.  However the tweet was up for just enough time for it to be captured then re-posted on the internet.

Click to enlarge

Rumours have been rife on Cole's future since it was leaked Friday evening that both him and Frank Lampard would be leaving Chelsea this summer.  The leak was later confirmed by new manager, Rafa Benitez, at a Chelsea press conference.

Manchester United reignite Alvaro Vadillo interest whilst maintaining a close eye on Magpie's Cabaye

Manchester United have reignited their interest in Real Betis' 19 year old starlet Alvaro Vadillo

Vadillo has been touted as the next 'Ronaldo' and Spanish sources indicate he would be exceptionally open to move to the Old Trafford side.

United originally tracked the left winger over a year ago, but damage to his cruciate ligaments put any potential deal on hold.

Speaking after Vadillo attended a U19 national training camp this week, a close family member hinted that "although he remains committed to Betis, an offer from Manchester would be impossible to turn down".

Manchester United academy staff have confirmed that Vadillo is their preferred option but an interest remains in Yohan Cabaye, however, with the Newcastle star damaging his groin this week Manchester United could be put off that potential option.

 Alvaro Vadillo is believed to have a €20m release fee in his current contract, Manchester United would look to capture the player for significantly less

Lambert & Bent at crisis point

The Aston Villa dressing room is a fractured environment according to club insiders.  Manager, Paul Lambert and fan's favourite, Darren Bent, have such a fractured relationship that the latter could be forced to leave in January.

Bent is still furious that prior to his injury Lambert employed him from the bench.  The Aston Villa striker, who regularly attracts the attention of rival Premier League clubs, is looking for assurances that he plays a key part in Lambert's plans.

Although facing a late fitness test to be ready for tomorrow's visit of Arsenal, Bent is keen to get his season back on track.

Lambert has previously denied any rift claiming he has to rotate players, however reports from inside the club paint a darker picture.  Bent was livid to be left on the bench against Swindon in late October and has reportedly, this week, left Lambert in no doubt as to what he expects.

A number of Premier League clubs remain on high alert should the stand-off continue between the £24m striker and his manager. 

Liverpool agree £9.5m 'in-principal' fee for Anzhi Makhachkala striker Lacina Traore

Reports from Russia tonight have identified that Anzhi Makhachkala striker Lacina Traore may become a  Liverpool player as soon as January.

A Russian source stated that a deal 'in-principal' has been made between Liverpool and the Russian League leaders for the colossal striker to move to Anfield in either January or July, depending on the players personal terms request.
 

Goals have been in good supply for Traore with 12 in 21 appearances this season.  The 22-year-old striker could add some welcomed firepower to the Reds short supply.  Liverpool are also currently believed to be tracking Frankfurt's  centre forward, Alexander Meier.

Spurs and Donetsk officials meet to discuss Willan

Spurs and Donetsk officials met last night to agree, in principle, a deal that gave the green light for Willian Borges Da Silva to become a Tottenham player.

The meeting took place in the Shakhtar Plaza and lasted approximately 2 and a half hours.  Both clubs are remaining tight lipped over the exact details, but a Donetsk source has told us that the agenda consisted of initial transfer fee, appearance and potential sell on fees.

Chelsea had been favourites to land the 24 year old midfielder but the departure of Di Matteo looks to have played into the hands of their London neighbours.

Initial indications are that the fee could be as high as £22m after add ons.

Villas-Boas sees Willan as an integral part of his desire to take Spurs back to Champions League qualification.  

Liverpool track Alexander Meier

Liverpool have sent club representatives to track Bundesliga sharp shooter Alexander Meier.
The Eintracht Frankfurt forward has been on impressive form this season and is seen by Anfield staff as a perfect squad partner for Luis Suarez.


Although not fitting typically into the Fenway model, the 29 year old striker, is seen as the perfect compliment to Brendan Rodgers young side.  Summer target Clint Dempsey eventually went to Spurs after negotiations broke down between Liverpool and Fulham, Meier is viewed as an on par replacement for that missed opportunity.

Meier will want convincing he would not be just a bit part player in Liverpool's system, the further injury to Fabio Borini means Liverpool have to look at differing striking options in the coming window.

Rodgers is keen on Meier and believes his talent would easily translate to the Premier League, Meier currently sits on pole as the Bundesliga's top scorer with 9 goals this season.

Benitez identifies Martin Škrtel as No1 target

New Chelsea manager, Rafa Bentiez, will actively target Martin Škrtel this January.  Benitez is a great admirer of Škrtel and will try and tempt the Slovak to Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool will be less than happy after just tying Škrtel down to a long term contract in August.  The challenge will come on tempting Škrtel away from Anfield, speaking in August Škrtel said:

"I'm happy because I am a part of one of the biggest clubs in the world, after last season there was a lot of talk about my future but I have to say that the first priority for me was always to sign a new deal with Liverpool.  I have been here almost four-and-a-half years and I have enjoyed that time here - myself and also my family - so there were no questions about whether to stay or to leave"

More intriguing will be the reaction of Liverpool supporters who hold Benitez in high regard.  This may be tested to the limit should he aggressively court the 27 year old Centre Back.

Benitez has also disclosed to close aids that he will fully asses Eden Hazard's ability before deciding on whether a midfield addition is needed.  Benitez needs to be convinced the Belgian is ready to be a regular starter, if unconvinced he will look to bring in a stop-gap proven provider to supply out of form striker, Fernando Torres.   

Stoke City

Norwegian sources very close to Henning Berg have today disclosed that the Blackburn manager is concerned he will lose Jordan Rhodes in the January transfer window.

Favourites to land the former Huddersfield Town striker are Stoke City.  Tony Pulis is extremely keen to bolster his fire-power and he has earmarked Rhodes as his number 1 target in January.

Rhodes, who only signed for Rovers in the summer of this year, has impressed Pulis this past month and the Stoke City manager sees him as a ready made striker that can make an instant impact in the Premier League.

Blackburn Rovers will try hard to keep their forward but club insiders are fearful if pursued he would opt to sign for the Premier League side.

A fee in the region of £9m is the minimum for Blackburn to open negotiations, but it may take a bid in the region of £10.5m to get Pulis his man.

Stoke are fully prepared to break their current transfer record and see Rhodes as a perfect addition to the already popular Crouch.

Kick Off..!

Well, as you can see from the bio on the right we are 5 sports journalists who have come together, free from editorial agendas and lines to take to bring you the stories we can't run openly.

So what does this mean?  Well any dressing room bust ups, transfer dealings that are in the initial negotiation stages and board rooms concerns will all be addressed here first, we have no editorial chief, no chief sports writer or no program producer to go through first.

We will bring you the news from the world's greatest league first, before we then publish it via our normal means, but only if our editors agree..!

No editor means full reporting for you, the Premier League fans.