Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to step up his pursuit of Lyon striker Karim Benzema.

Birmingham have secured the services of Manchester City keeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan.

Chelsea will test the depth of Liverpool’s financial problems and their resolve to keep Fernando Torres by bidding £50m for the Spanish international striker.

Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano is now a target for Real Madrid as well as Barcelona.

Manchester United could face another battle to keep hold of one of their prize assets as Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is keen on taking promising 17-year-old striker Federico Macheda back to his native Italy.

Hull City are keen to sign Newcastle striker Michael Owen in a deal which would see him get a basic salary plus extras for playing and scoring goals.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen to bring striker Lomana LuaLua back to the Premier League after his stint with Qatar side Al-Arabi.

Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for £7m-rated Atletico Madrid midfielder Jurado but appear to have missed out to Fiorentina in their attempts to sign Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to battle it out with Everton for the services of Sheffield United right-back Kyle Naughton.

Aberdeen are poised to sign the versatile Jim Paterson on loan from Plymouth.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and his players will share a £10m bonus if they qualify for the Champions League.