Transfer talk (Friday, 10 July)

They shoot...

Gunners' Melo hope

Arsenal have been offered a lifeline in their bid to sign the Brazilian Felipe Melo from Fiorentina. The midfielder was on the brink of signing for Juventus on Wednesday in a £17.5m plus Marco Marchionni part-exchange deal. However, the Juve winger has spoiled the deal by rejecting terms with the Viola.

"Unfortunately, nothing [involving Marchionni] will be done," Marchionni's agent, Bruno Carpeggiani said.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle United defender Sebastian Bassong has revealed that the Gunners have made an offer for him. "There has been an approach [from Arsenal]," the 22-year-old told France Football. "But for the moment nothing is concrete."

Delph only going for right price

Leeds United have revealed they have rejected two bids from Premier League clubs for their midfielder Fabian Delph. It is reported one of the bids came from Aston Villa, worth £6m. The Yorkshire club have also turned down an offer for striker Jermaine Beckford, which is believed to be from Newcastle United.

Messi wants Premier pair at Barça

Lionel Messi has urged Barcelona to sign Liverpool's Javier Mascherano and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas. "I hope Mascherano can come, his qualities are always appreciated." the Barça winger said. "The same goes for Fabregas. A good footballer like him who can contribute a lot is always welcome."

They score...

Mulumbu joins Baggies

Youssouf Mulumbu has signed for West Bromwich from Paris St-Germain on a permanent move after impressing during his loan spell at the Hawthorns last season. The defensive midfielder's agent Doug Pingisi said: "He is excited about working with Roberto Di Matteo."

They miss...

Andrews stays at Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers have dismissed Fulham's enquiry for midfielder Keith Andrews. The Rovers' manager Sam Allardyce is under no pressure to sell this summer after off-loading Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City and Matt Derbyshire to Olympiakos for a combined fee of £20m.

Davis rejects Irons offer

The Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis has turned down a move to West Ham United and has instead signed a new contract at St Mary's. The 32-year-old looked set to sign for the Premier League side after being offered a deal by the Irons' manager Gianfranco Zola. "I had a decision to make and am delighted to be able to stay." Davis said. "

Deco will stay at the Bridge

Despite his disappointing start to life in the Premier League, the Chelsea midfielder Deco insists he will stay at Stamford Bridge next season. "I am getting tired of Europe," the 31-year-old said. "But out of respect for Chelsea, I will stay on this continent a while longer."