Thursday's transfer grapevine
Is Roque Santa Cruz bound for Birmingham?
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Thursday, 21, Aug 2008 11:04
After a quiet start to the summer for Aston Villa in the transfer market, Martin O'Neill is now really getting the fans excitement going with a series of moves.
Despite already splashing out on several big-name defensive stars this month, including Reading's Nicky Shorey, Middlesbrough's Luke Young, Blackburn's Brad Friedel and Rangers' Carlos Cuellar, the Ulsterman is now turning his attention to forwards.
Top of his list appears to be Blackburn Rovers' Roque Santa Cruz, who is set be the subject of a £16 million bid.
And O'Neill is also reportedly keen to add Newcastle United's James Milner to his squad, despite having a £7 million bid rejected by the Magpies.
Manchester City are still in the market for a forward and manager Mark Hughes has set his sights on Real Zaragoza's star Argentinean Diego Milito, after being warned off Santa Cruz.
Despite being on the cusp of securing a loan deal for Djibril Cisse, Roy Keane's Sunderland are still keen to add to their options up front.
West Ham's Carlton Cole and Fulham's David Healy are both being linked with a move to the north east.
And finally, Chelsea are closing on a deal for Real Madrid forward Robinho.
The young Brazilian is in negotiations with Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon after the two clubs agreed a fee in the region of £28 million - to be paid in installments - for the player.