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Transfer Talk: Cresswell cuts Stoke ties with Blades

Wednesday 06 January 2010 01:00 GMT
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Sheffield United have confirmed that Richard Cresswell's loan deal from Stoke City will be made into a permanent arrangement. Stoke originally loaned Cresswell out to Bramall Lane in September 2009, but the two sides have now agreed an undisclosed fee for the striker. The 32-year-old striker scored the Blades' equaliser against QPR at the weekend. Manager Kevin Blackwell said: "He gives 100 per cent every time he plays and his knowledge of this division makes him an important presence for us." Injuries and suspensions have allowed Cresswell to make nine starts under Blackwell, scoring three goals in the process.

Adam Hulme

Collins completes permament Deepdale move

Preston North End have completed the signing of Scottish centre half Neill Collins on a three-and-a-half-year deal. The 26-year-old has joined the managerless club on a permanent basis following a four-month loan stint at the Lilywhites from Premier League club Wolverhampton. The former Sunderland player has made 17 starts at Deepdale since initially joining on an loan. "I'm certainly delighted," Collins said. "This is a great club with great fans."

Long shots

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena has been linked with a return to his homeland Napoli, after failing to live up to his £7m price tag.

Rangers' Kris Boyd, who recently broke Henrik Larsson's Scottish Premier League goalscoring record, has received an official approach from Birmingham City. The Blues could also be closing in on signing Spanish midfielder Michel from First Division side Sporting Gijon for a suggested £3m. Across town, Mick McCarthy's Wolves have made a bid to sign the Toulouse winger Fode Mansare.

Roma's out of favour striker Stefano Okaka's agent has confirmed that the 20-year-old would be willing to join Fulham on loan, if they can agree a deal with the Italian side.

Roy Hodgson admits he may have to fight off bids from several clubs for top scorer Bobby Zamora in the January transfer window. Emile Heskey has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, with Liverpool and Chelsea apparently interested in a £4m move for the England forward.

Tony Mowbray is lining up a loan deal for Stoke striker Dave Kitson, who has just completed a six-week loan spell at Middlesbrough. Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo, currently on a season-long loan deal at Malaga, looks set to join the Spanish club permanently.

Adam Hulme and Sarah Cobb

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