Roy Hodgson will make Brede Hangeland his first transfer target when, as expected, he takes over as Liverpool manager tomorrow. Liverpool have earmarked the Norway defender to partner Martin Skrtel next season with Jamie Carragher, 32, operating as experienced cover. The deal would need to be funded by player sales.
Hangeland, 29 last week, signed a contract until 2013 after Arsenal had balked at Fulham’s “excessive” valuation. The West London club have drawn up a shortlist to replace Hodgson as manager that includes Sven-Göran Eriksson, Mark Hughes and Alan Curbishley, who is favourite to get the job at Craven Cottage.
Decent bets
Real Madrid will step up interest in Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole with the players having returned from the World Cup finals. The Spanish side have offered £20 million for the Liverpool midfield player but are refusing to meet Lazio’s £20 million valuation for Aleksandar Kolarov. Instead, they are considering a move for Cole, the Chelsea left back. “We will make one or two signings, no more,” Jorge Valdano, the Real director general, said.
Sol Campbell has held talks with Celtic after the defender made 14 appearances for Arsenal in a short-term deal last season.
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Arsenal have offered a four-year deal to Laurent Koscielny after reaching an agreement with Lorient to sign the defender for an initial £8 million with add-ons. Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is also planning to speak to Joe Cole next week to try to persuade him to sign for Arsenal.
The England midfield player faces a choice between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur after Manchester United pulled out because of his contract demands.
Everton are expected to complete the signing of Magaye Gueye, the France Under-21 forward, from Strasbourg for about £1 million before they fly to Australia on a pre-season tour this week.
Dead certs
Mauro Boselli has signed a four-year contract with Wigan Athletic after joining for £5.8 million. The Argentina striker, 25, scored 32 goals in 57 appearances for Estudiantes. “Mauro lives to put the ball in the back,” Roberto Martínez, the Wigan manager, said. “He is a clever player, a natural finisher who can cause havoc in the penalty area.”
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Tom Cleverley, the England Under-21 midfield player, will sign a new three-year contract with Manchester United this week. He scored 11 goals in 35 games and was named Watford’s player of the year while on loan last season. Bolton Wanderers have given a trial to Gilbert Álvarez, the 18-year-old Callejas and Bolivia striker.
Long shots
Valencia have ruled out taking Roque Santa Cruz on loan as part of Manchester City’s bid to sign David Silva, the Spain winger. The Spanish club were concerned that Paraguay forward had started only six league matches because of injury last season.
Aston Villa have expressed an interest in Cho Yong Hyung, the Jeju United defender who played in South Korea’s four matches at the World Cup finals. Neymar da Silva, the Santos attacking player, is more likely to move to Germany rather than West Ham United, who may also lose out on Loïc Rémy. Bordeaux also want the Nice forward, who is valued at £11 million.