Transfer talk: Australian looks north

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Australian looks north

Talks between Sunderland and West Ham defender Lucas Neill remain ongoing, with the Black Cats reportedly keen to make the Australian the best-paid player in the club's history. Neill rejected a contract extension at Upton Park last season.

Danny to depart

Bolton are listening to offers for defender Danny Shittu. "There is quite a bit of interest," manager Gary Megson said of the 26-year-old. "We will see if it materialises into anything concrete."

Bruce likes an Egyptian

Sunderland are close to signing 21-year-old Egyptian Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, who plays for ENPPI. "Al-Muhammadi had a successful trial," Nader Shawki, the midfielder's agent, said.

Fulham close to signing

Fulham have agreed a fee with Golden Arrows for the signing of South Africa midfielder Kagiso Dikgacoi. "It will go to a tribunal [as] we have to apply for a work permit," manager Roy Hodgson, who is also hopeful of keeping Brede Hangeland at Craven Cottage, admitted.

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Black Cats and Spurs at odds

Sunderland and Tottenham were last night at loggerheads over the value of the Darren Bent transfer after the player finally signed for Steve Bruce. One of the most acrimonious transfers of the summer ended with Sunderland claiming a £10m deal for the striker while Spurs announced to the stock market it was worth £16.5m – equal to the fee they paid Charlton in 2007 – including add-ons over the England international's four-year contract.

Tigers sign 'a gentalman'

Stoke midfielder Seyi Olofinjana is close to finalising a £3m move to Hull. "He goes with our best wishes," Potters manager Tony Pulis said.

Pompey bring in Piquionne

Portsmouth have signed 30-year-old striker Frederic Piquionne on a year-long loan from Lyon and retain an option to buy the France international.

Saints bring in duo

Southampton have signed former Reading captain Graeme Murty following a succesful trial and are also close to securing a deal for free agent and former Bolton defender Radhi Jaidi.

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Bayern baulk at Toni loan

Bayern Munich have played down reports linking Italian international Luca Toni with a move to West Ham on loan.

Pirlo remains at san siro

Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo will not be moving to Chelsea after the Italian side took him off the market. "Today is a very good day," he said. "I am very happy to be able to finish my career here."

Sissoko happy to wait

Toulouse midfielder and reputed Spurs target Moussa Sissoko has "no hurry to leave" the French side. "I have nothing against staying a year longer," the 19-year-old Frenchman said. Sissoko has been linked with a £25m switch.

Spurs out of the Hunt

Tottenham's interest in the Real Madrid striker Klaas van Huntelaar looks at an end, with the Dutch striker completing a €15m (£12.7m) move to Milan today.