Saturday's football rumour mill
Bruce is keen to take Bent to the Stadium of Light
Also In The News
|
Real Madrid and Manchester United have finalised an agreement for the £80 million transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo. |  |
Saturday, 27, Jun 2009 12:33
Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent is top of new Sunderland boss Steve Bruce's transfer shopping list.
However, Bruce has been put off by Spurs' £18 million valuation of the England striker.
Tottenham themselves are being linked with a £6 million bid for Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna, and are still trying to force through a deal for Atletico Madrid's Maxi Rodriguez.
Spurs could also be in hot water with the FA over Jermain Defoe's transfer to Portsmouth in 2007. If they are found to have used an unlicensed agent then they could face a points deduction.
Manchester United have been told target Karim Benzema will become available but they will have to be patient. United will also face stiff competition from Real Madrid for the signature of the Lyon striker.
Aston Villa have turned their attentions to Sol Campbell, who is set to become a free agent, as a replacement for Martin Laursen who was forced to retire at the end of last season.
Everton are closing in on a £6 million deal for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.
However, the Toffees will have to ward off interest from Fiorentina and Athletico Madrid in their midfielder Steven Pienaar.
Blackburn Rovers are eyeing up an audacious swoop for Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz who recently joined Manchester City.
Fulham could offer Middlesbrough's 27-year-old striker Tuncay Sanli a route back to the Premier League with a £5 million bid for the Turkish international.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has claimed he did not want to sign central defender Giovanny Espinoza and was forced into it by the club's board.