AC Milan hard-man Gennaro Gattuso, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City, could be heading for the Premier League after contract talks at the Italian club stalled.

Inter Milan’s £18m-rated striker Mario Balotelli could be on the move to either Chelsea and Arsenal. The Blues are also interested in Santos’ £13.5m-rated striker Neymar.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is searching for competition for his current number one Heurelho Gomes and has targeted Switzerland World Cup keeper Eldin Jakupovi Former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert, who is a free agent after leaving Larissa, could be in line for a shock return to St James Park. The Magpies have also turned down the chance to sign Sol Campbell who is a free agent after leaving Notts County.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is eyeing Huddersfield’s talented keeper Alex Smithies with a view to sign him in a £3m deal and then loan him back to the Terriers.

Peterborough United boss Mark Cooper is setting up a move for Crewe's giant striker Calvin Zola when the transfer window opens in January.

Watford boss Malky Mackay is hoping he does not have to sell players during the January transfer despite the club's precarious financial situation.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has urged Paul Scharner to see out his career with the club and nip in the bud potential speculation over his future in January.

Midfielder Scharner has made more Premier League appearances than any other Latics player, now 121, and is a firm favourite with the fans.

However, the 29-year-old Austrian, signed from Brann in January 2006 for £2million, is out of contract at the end of this season.

That puts Scharner in the shop window in January as he will be allowed the freedom to speak to other clubs and potentially sign a pre-contract agreement.

"Paul is our longest-serving player, has a very good relationship with the club, and I've a very good relationship with him," said Martinez.

"But once you get to this situation, it's part of the rules that players can speak with other clubs and look at other options, and I'm sure that's what he's going to do. We need to accept it.

"In that respect we want Paul to stay, to finish his career with Wigan Athletic, and it's something we'll address when the situation occurs.

Birmingham vice-chairman Sammy Yu has promised to bring in up to five players during the January transfer window as manager Alex McLeish steps up his search for a striker.

McLeish ran the rule over the Marseille duo of Brandao and Mamadou Niang during the recent Champions League encounter with AC Milan.

Blues' new owner Carson Yeung has pledged to back McLeish to the tune of £20-40 million next month and Yu insisted City would not flinch if a big-name player became available.

Yu said: "Our priority now is to strengthen the team and make sure it stays in the Premier League.

"By the end of January, you never know. It could be that something unexpected has happened. Subject to this priority, within the budget, we will do what we can do.

"But if a top-class player who is really keen because they know we are going forward, came over to us and talked, and we were sure their attitude was right, everything was right, even if they were expensive, we might concede that we need them as well.”