Spurs battling Man Utd for Dembele & City trailing Martinez – Rumour Round-up Fri
Tottenham will rival Manchester United for the signature of Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele as Andre Villas-Boas steps up his search for a replacement for the soon-to-depart Luka Modric. The Cottagers have already turned down a bid, described as “very low”, from United but it’s understood Spurs are willing to activate the Belgian’s £15 million buy-out clause instead of becoming embroiled in a bidding war. talkSPORT
City clinging to Martinez hope – Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is refusing to admit defeat in his summer long pursuit of Athletic Bilbao star Javi Martinez. Bayern Munich were rumoured to be close to signing the 23-year-old Spaniard only for sporting director Matthias Sammer to admit the deal was ‘nowhere near completion’. That has encouraged Mancini to step up his bid for the £30 million-rated defensive midfielder. Manchester Evening News
Spurs still working on Willian – Tottenham are still hoping to strike a deal that will see them bag Shaktar Donetsk attacker Willian before the transfer deadline. Andre Villas-Boas is desperate to bring the Brazilian international to White Hart Lane after ending his interest in Internacional forward Leandro Damiao. The Guardian
Barca want David Luiz – Chelsea defender David Luiz is wanted by Barcelona just days after Manchester City were rumoured to have seen a £32 million bid for the Brazilian rejected. The Spanish giants are chasing defensive reinforcements and are long-term admirers of Luiz who is no longer guaranteed a starting spot at Stamford Bridge and is now behind John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic in the pecking order. The Mirror
Baggies targeting left back Olsson – West Brom boss Steve Clarke is hoping to raid Blackburn for their Swedish defender Martin Olsson as he seeks cover at left back. The 24-year-old handed a transfer request in at Ewood Park earlier this summer and it’s unlikely Steve Kean will stand in his way should the Baggies come in with a bid. Sunderland are also interested in Olsson and Clarke will hope to beat the Black Cats to the punch. Birmingham Mail
Canaries in surprise Biglia swoop – Norwich are in talks to sign Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia on loan until the end of the season. The 26-year-old has won eight major honours during six-years in Belgium but is keen to test himself in the Premier League and had been linked with Arsenal earlier this summer. But it’s now emerged that the talented deep-lying playmaker is discussing terms over a loan switch that would represent a massive coup for new boss Christ Hughton. Sky Sports
