August 24th
Will Curtis Davies still be a Championship player this time next week?
Friday, 24, Aug 2007 12:43
Aston Villa appear to be the club at the centre of all the late-window action as the shutters prepare to come down on all transfers this time next week.
Martin O'Neill is reportedly edging closer to a deal for West Brom defender Curtis Davies, who is available for a fee of around £10 million.
The Villans have lodged a bid of £9 million, which is being considered by the Baggies, although there may be competition from Spurs who are looking to bolster their defence.
Manchester rivals City and United are fighting it out to sign Bolton's Nicolas Anelka, who is keen to leave the struggling Reebok Stadium outfit.
A bid of £12 million may be enough for one of the two to make him a permanent addition to the squad.
More Villa/Spurs gossip centres on out-of-favour striker Jermain Defoe, who is struggling for playing time as he bids to make the England XI for the Euro 2008 qualifiers next month.
However it seems the Tottenham striker has opted to remain at White Hart Lane to fight for his place after he turned down the chance to move to Villa Park.
Reading and Aston Villa (again) are also in the market for a defender, with Fulham's Liam Rosenior topping the wish list for both clubs.
A fee of around £2 million could be enough to prize him away from Cottagers boss Lawrie Sanchez.
And goal-shy Derby County are still chasing Manchester City's Darius Vassell in an attempt to improve their strike-rate.
After drawing blanks against City and Tottenham in their last two games, Billy Davies has stepped up his efforts to bring in a striker, although a deal for Southampton's Kenwyne Jones looks to be out of the question because of his price-tag.
Meanwhile, it is rumoured that Gillingham are in the hunt for Macclesfield marksman Francis Green, whose brace against MK Dons this week took him to the top of the League 2 scoring charts.
The Kent club have struggled for goals so far this season, with new signing Delroy Facey failing to register in the league.
Two defeats from two games, as well as a defeat in the Carling Cup to Watford have left the Gills in dire need of some striking finesse.