Manchester United have been knocked back by Brazilian side Gremio in their attempt to take highly rated 18-year-old midfielder Douglas Costa on trial.

Manchester City striker Jo could be used as bait in an effort to lure Everton’s Joleon Lescott to Eastlands, but Fulham are also interested in the Brazilian.

Liverpool’s Alvaro Arbeloa says he is “filled with pride” to be linked to Real Madrid and “it would be a lie” to assume he will be at Anfield next season.

Wigan say they have received “acceptable” bids of £14m to £18m from Manchester United and Real Madrid for Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia.

Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca flew into London on Wednesday for talks with Chelsea about a £10m double bid for Ricardo Carvalho and Deco.

Sunderland want to sign Newcastle striker Peter Lovenkrands on a free transfer.

AC Milan have confirmed they would be interested in Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor if they fail to sign their number one target, Wolfsburg's prolific Edin Dzeko.

Former Liverpool and Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse is to have a medical with Panathinaikos.

Stoke have added Newcastle striker Alan Smith to their list of summer transfer targets.

Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt is to join Malaga on loan with a view to a permanent £2.5m transfer.

Turkish club Besiktas want Portsmouth midfielder John Utaka and Greek top-flight newcomers Atromitos are interested in Pompey’s veteran defender Sol Campbell.

Stoke are in talks with West Ham about signing striker Dean Ashton.

Peter Reid is in line to be the new Southampton manager if a rival group beats Matthew Le Tissier’s takeover consortium to buy the club.

Real Madrid will reportedly insert a buy-out clause of £1bn in winger Cristiano Ronaldo's contract when he completes his move from Manchester United.

Inter Milan centre-back Nicolas Burdisso has denied speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea this summer.