Transfer talk: Huntelaar sparks interest

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Huntelaar sparks interest

The Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has moved closer to a move to the Premier League following the breakdown of a proposed transfer to Stuttgart. Huntelaar struggled to settle at the Bernabeu last season and the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema has pushed him towards the exit, with Tottenham and Arsenal linked to him.

Hull chasing Bluebirds pair

Cardiff duo Joe Ledley and Ross McCormack remain targets for Hull, although manager Dave Jones warns the club will not let them leave cheaply. "Phil [Brown, the Hull manager] can look at them," he said. "But if he doesn't pay what the club wants he'll go home empty-handed."

Bruce tracking forwards

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is close to agreeing a deal for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. "I have told Bordeaux I need to go there," the 21-year-old said. "I want to play in the Premier League and Sunderland is a good challenge." Bruce, who this week saw a move for Portsmouth's Peter Crouch break down, is also monitoring the situation of the Tottenham striker Darren Bent, who may be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane.

Eto'o moves closer to Inter

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has agreed terms with Internazionale, as a swap deal involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic moves closer. "The only problem is a loyalty bonus with Barça,"the Cameroonian's agent, Josep Mesalles, said. "It should be settled in a week or so." Swedish forward Ibrahimovic, who injured a hand during this week's friendly defeat to Chelsea, has yet to agree terms with the European Cup holders.

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Taarabt returns to Hoops

Queen's Park Rangers have re-signed the Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan. The 20-year-old Moroccan winger made seven appearances during a loan spell at Loftus Road last season after failing to win a first-team place at White Hart Lane.

Bolton agree Ricketts fee

Bolton have emerged as the club close to signing Hull centre-back Sam Ricketts, after the clubs agreed a fee. The 27-year-old also interested Portsmouth, but Bolton are favourites.

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Boro strikers set to leave

Gareth Southgate has admitted Middlesbrough duo Mido and Tuncay Sanli are set to leave the club. Neither Tuncay – a target for Spurs and Aston Villa – nor Egyptian forward Mido travelled with Boro to Scotland for a pre-season tour. "Mido would like to move on in an ideal world – as would Tuncay," the Boro manager said. "I'm sure those deals will happen."