Transfer news and speculation, 26 May

The Gunners' manager Arsène Wenger has confirmed that the club is close to signing Marseilles' Samir Nasri. Wenger said he hoped the deal would be completed before the French international takes part in the European Championships, which start on 7 June. "It's likely to happen," Wenger said of the €15m (£12.5m) transfer of the 20-year-old, who is expected to replace Alexander Hleb at the Emirates. "And if it does happen, it will be before the start of the European Championships." Nasri, an attacking midfielder, is in the provisional French squad for the tournament, having won seven caps, scoring twice.

Redknapp eyes striker Govou

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp attended the French Cup final on Saturday to watch the Lyons striker Sidney Govou, who is available for about £7m. The 28-year-old French international was linked to a move to Fratton Park last summer and scored the only goal in the victory over Paris St-Germain. Redknapp is understood to have also been watching PSG's 25-year-old Ivorian striker Amana Diane, who is valued at £5m, as he looks to strengthen his squad for next season's Uefa Cup campaign.

Dossena closes on Anfield move

The Udinese player Andrea Dossena may soon be bound for Merseyside, though there is a £2m gap between Liverpool's and Udinese's valuation of him. Liverpool want to pay £6m for the 26-year-old, but his club value him at £8m. The Udinese coach, Pasquale Marino, said yesterday that Dossena appeared to be heading to Anfield. "I think that a deal with Liverpool for Dossena is on the way," he said.

Jewell lines up Ellington deal

Derby County has confirmed that talks are being held in an attempt to sign the striker Nathan Ellington from Watford. Manager Paul Jewell has lined up a deal with the 26-year-old, who has struggled since his club record move to Watford from West Bromwich last summer. He scored only four goals in 34 Championship games and didn't hold down a regular starting place in the first team.

Ferguson targeting Ramsey

The first thing Sir Alex Ferguson did in the wake of the European Cup final on Wednesday was to loan the Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton to Cardiff for next season, possibly as a sweetener in his campaign to sign the young Wales international Aaron Ramsey. Yesterday's Wales On Sunday newspaper reported that sources at Ninian Park say United want to take a look at one of the most coveted players outside the Premier League in pre-season training, but would be willing also to loan him to Cardiff for the 2008-09 season to continue his development.