SUMMER SALES
Baggies seek £2m for Mowbray
WEST BROM are standing firm on a £2m compensation fee for manager Tony Mowbray to fend off interest from Celtic.
The Baggies confirmed the SPL giants had made an official approach for Mowbray to replace Gordon Strachan but chairman Jeremy Peace is holding out for £2m. “Most people would regard it as a fair figure,” he said. “It is non-negotiable.”
Martinez ready to rejoin Wigan
WIGAN chairman Dave Whelan expects to confirm Roberto Martinez as the club’s new manager tomorrow.
The Latics held talks with their former player and agreeing a £1.8m compensation fee with Swansea City. Whelan said: “Everything is almost agreed. I’m in Majorca, I’m due back on Wednesday. The deal will be completed then.”
Gunners close in on Vermaelen
ARSENAL are poised to begin their summer spending by signing Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen, after the Belgian said a move to north London was imminent.
Vermaelen, 23, yesterday confirmed the rumours, insisting a deal, expected to be worth around £10.5m, was on the verge of completion. “Moving to Arsenal is the right path for me,” he said.
Berbatov will stay at United
DIMITAR BERBATOV’S agent says the striker will be a Manchester United player next season. The Bulgarian’s future at Old Trafford remains unclear after mustering just nine goals from 29 league starts.
But agent Emil Dantchev said: “Dimitar will play next season in Manchester United. There is no desire from the management for any separation.”
Benitez refutes Lavezzi link
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez last night dismissed claims linking him with a move for Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.
“We never contacted Lavezzi and we have no intention of doing so,” the Spaniard said. “We want to put a stop to these rumours.”
Young Reds striker David Ngog has been linked with a loan move to Ipswich.