One of the most extraordinary transfers of the summer has moved a step closer to completion after Bayern Munich made an improved offer for Dale Jennings, the Tranmere Rovers forward.
Bayern initially had a £500,000 bid turned down by the Merseyside club but have now returned with an offer of £650,000, which could ultimately rise to £1.7 million should Jennings trigger performance-related targets.
The 18-year-old, who was released by Liverpool as a youth player, is viewed by Bayern as a potential star of the future and Jupp Heynckes, the manager of the Bundesliga club, is ready to offer the npower League One player the opportunity to make the grade at one of the biggest clubs in world football.
The scale of the challenge that would face Jennings should he complete the move is underlined by the likelihood that he would be competing with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry for a place in the Bayern side.
Tranmere’s resistance to the switch has been strong up to this point but the improved offer will test the resolve of Peter Johnson, the club’s owner and chairman, and Bayern are increasingly confident of getting their man.
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Decent bets
Junior Hoilett is set to sign a new deal at Blackburn Rovers after holding talks with Steve Kean, the manager. The winger, 21, has one year left on his present deal and has been stalling on an extension. But he has now vowed to sign after discussions with Kean. He said: “I am happy at Blackburn and of course I would be prepared to sign a new contract.”
Peterborough United expect Craig Mackail-Smith to finalise a move to Leicester City imminently. The club accepted a £3 million offer for the striker earlier this week.
Dead certs
Swansea City fought off competition from Norwich City to sign Steven Caulker, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old has signed a contract extension at Spurs until 2014 but agreed a switch to the Liberty Stadium to get first-team experience.
The Barclays Premier League newcomers will pay a fee to cover Caulker’s wages and the loan will be reviewed in January. Huw Jenkins, the Swansea chairman, said: “We feel his general size and ability are perfect qualities to add to our team.”
Bolton Wanderers have made their first signing of the summer after Darren Pratley, the former Swansea midfield player, agreed a four-year deal.The 26-year-old made 199 appearances during a five-year spell with Swansea, his last match the npower Championship play-off final win over Reading at Wembley which secured promotion to the Premier League.
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Norwich are set to sign Bradley Johnson, the 24-year-old midfield player. He was out of contract at Leeds United and will become Paul Lambert’s fifth capture of the summer. Norwich are also believed to be closing in on Anthony Pilkington after Huddersfield Town revealed the 23-year-old winger had asked to leave.
Cardiff City have signed Andrew Taylor, the defender, who was out of contract at Middlesbrough, subject to a medical on Monday.
Andy Reid, the midfield player, has agreed personal terms with Nottingham Forest, where he began his career.
Long shots
Hulk has played down speculation about a move to AC Milan or Manchester City. “To leave Porto now? I signed for another five years and my future is there,” the striker said.
Edinson Cavani’s agent has dismissed rumours that the Uruguay international could move from Napoli to Manchester United.
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Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, has said that Reading’s valuation of Shane Long is too high for the club. “You’re talking £7 million and that is out of our remit,” he said.