Transfer Talk: Blues chase loan Gunner

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Birmingham hope to secure the loan signing of Arsenal's Armand Traoré this week. "We've got other targets but we want to bring in a bit of quality," said the Blues manager Alex McLeish.

"It's better I don't talk about other players. All that does is upset fans when we don't get them." Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel and Aston Villa's Craig Gardner have also been linked with a move.

Black Cats after Spurs pair

Sunderland are reportedly preparing a £16m bid for Tottenham duo Michael Dawson and David Bentley. As a proposed move for Spurs forward Darren Bent falters, the Black Cats are again looking to White Hart Lane for reinforcements, following the signings of Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio and Pascal Chimbonda last summer.

Fergie to enquire over duo

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will speak to Valencia about moves for midfielder David Silva and striker David Villa when the Spanish side visit Old Trafford for a friendly this week.

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Rovers agree Kalinic fee

Blackburn are close to completing the signing of striker Nikola Kalinic after agreeing a fee with the Croatian international's club, Hadjuk Split. "Blackburn was the best offer we received," Split president Mate Peros said. "Very quickly we finished talks."

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Villa to lose out on Veloso

Aston Villa may miss out on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso as the Portuguese club look to finalise his departure. Manager Martin O'Neill's first choice is the Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder, but the Dutch international's personal terms are holding up a deal. O'Neill is also monitoring the Portsmouth defender Sylain Distin and his former team-mate, Sol Campbell, who is now a free agent following the expiry of his contract.

Harry denies going for Bassong

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has dismissed reports linking the club with Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong. "It is not true," he said of the Frenchman. "He is a player I was interested in, [but] I am sure the chairman has not made an offer." Injuries to centre-backs Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Michael Dawson have left Redknapp looking for defensive reinforcements ahead of the season opener at home to Liverpool on 16 August.