With just under a week to go until the January transfer window closes Premier League managers appear poised to finally utilise what limited funds they have available to them.
Manchester United have allegedly joined the race to sign Fulham's promising young defender Chris Smalling. The £7 million-rated centre back is also attracting the attention of United's Premier League rivals Arsenal, but it is believed Sir Alex Ferguson leads the chase having today had a bid accepted.
Meanwhile, it has been speculated that United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson, who has failed to meet expectations so far this season, could be heading out of Old Trafford.
United's rivals, Manchester City, have also again been linked with potential signings and it is believed that manager Roberto Mancini is set to continue his attempts to lure Argentinean midfielder Fernando Gago from Real Madrid.
A £12 million offer has already been turned down, but the Citizens are widely expected to return with an improved bid of around £14 million.
Elsewhere, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce appears intent on improving his defensive options and is believed to be preparing a £10 million move for Portsmouth's French defender Younes Kaboul.
Despite Pompey's precarious Premier League position, Kaboul has been in impressive form throughout the current campaign and has also been linked with a return to former club Tottenham Hotspur, who may require defensive reinforcements of their own following the news that Jonathan Woodgate may fail to play again this season.
In contrast, it has been speculated that Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Alladyce is intent on enhancing his alternatives at the other end of the pitch. The former Bolton boss is believed to be instigating a loan move for Monaco striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, as well as a deal to bring Turkish attacking midfielder Yildiray Basturk to Ewood Park.
Everton have allegedly turned their intentions to Leeds talisman Jermaine Beckford having supposedly given up on the prospect of signing AC Milan striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar, who was again strongly linked with Arsenal in today's press.
- Gareth Burton
Source: DSG
