Football Rumours

A host of signings have been taking place inspite of the fact that the transfer window shut down 12 days back. West Ham have signed Mexico forward Guillermo Franco for a year on a free transfer after he was released by Villareal in the summer. Former Middlesborough and Newcastle forward Mark Viduka has decided to return to his home in Australia according to his agent. The Australian is a free agent and was linked with Portsmouth during the transfer window and also later on. Glauber Berti, the former Manchester City defender, currently without a club is on trial at Hull City. Middlesborough are set to beat Newcastle to the signing of Everton striker James Vaughan on loan. Boro are also keen on £2m rated Hull City forward Caleb Folan. Coventry City face competition from Swansea and Doncaster to sign 19-year old Wolves’ forward Sam Vokes. Manchester United are eyeing Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev from CSKA Moscow while Liverpool look forward to sign Chelsea and Brazil defender Alex for free next summer. Scott McDonald, the Celtic forward is a loan target for Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Matinez who hopes to sign him on a permanent basis later on.

Inter Milan manager, Jose Mourinho’s advances towards Salomon Kalou have forced Chelsea to open new contract talks with the forward. Fulham manager, Roy Hodgson is also keen on tying up his centre back Brede Hangelaand to a new contract after he successfully fended off interest from Arsenal and Everton during the transfer window. Tommy Spurr rejected a move to Everton during the summer and is set to sign a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday