STEVE BRUCE is expected to try to resurrect a deal for Jason Euell next week if the Birmingham City manager cannot find another striker. Birmingham pulled out of a deal with Charlton Athletic last week soon after agreeing a fee of £1.5 million, but Bruce is concerned that they have scored only 15 goals in 21 league matches. He also wants another defender and is interested in Max von Schlebrugge, from Hammarby, the Swedish club.
“Charlton must be scratching their heads about what’s been going on but Jason Euell is someone I’ve always liked as an attacking midfield player,” Bruce said, “but we are weighing up our options carefully.”
Charlton themselves remain in discussions with Newcastle United about signing Lee Bowyer on a free transfer rather than as part of a deal with Danny Murphy. Alan Curbishley, the manager, will let Kevin Lisbie and Jonatan Johansson leave to cut the wage bill.
West Ham United appear closer to agreeing a deal with Norwich City for Dean Ashton, the forward, who will cost £8 million when including payments made for the London club staying in the top flight.
Jussi Jaaskelainen’s future at Bolton Wanderers remains uncertain. The goalkeeper has refused to extend his contract, which has 18 months left.
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Tottenham Hotspur have exercised an option for Reto Ziegler to return early from his season-long loan at SV Hamburg. Ziegler may join Wigan Athletic this week. Phil Ifil, the Spurs right back, has joined Millwall on loan. Jan Kozak will join West Bromwich Albion after Artmedia Bratislava agreed to loan the midfield player for the rest of the season. Slavia Prague have told Middlesbrough that they must pay £1.2 million for Martin Latka, the defender.
Crystal Palace are interested in Colin Cameron, the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfield player also wanted by Leeds United and Heart of Midlothian. Rotherham United have signed Paul Shaw, the forward released by Sheffield United. Wrexham have signed Sam Williams, the forward, on loan from Aston Villa. Celtic want Steffen Iversen, the forward who has recently trained with Portsmouth.