TOTTENHAM Hotspur are in talks about signing Jonathan Zebina, but Fabio Capello, the Juventus coach, does not want to release the France defender until the summer, when Willy Sagnol arrives from Bayern Munich. Tottenham have been looking for another defender after their approach for Glen Johnson, of Chelsea, failed.
Birmingham City are considering making a bid for Gary O’Neil, although Portsmouth are unlikely to sell the midfield player. Birmingham have also approached Hammarby, the Swedish club, about taking Max von Schlebrugge, the defender, on loan, but they have said that Cardiff City’s £3.5 million valuation of Cameron Jerome, the forward, is too high.
Teddy Sheringham has agreed in principle to a one-year contract extension with West Ham United. Celtic have told Portsmouth they are not willing to sell John Hartson, the forward. Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion are chasing Nigel Quashie, the Southampton midfield player.
Jim Brennan, the Norwich City full back, has joined Southampton, who have released Tomasz Hajto to Derby County. Tommy Black, the Crystal Palace midfield player, has joined Gillingham. Milton Keynes Dons have signed Felipe Morais, the Chelsea winger, on loan.