Transfer Talk: Laws makes French forward first signing

Burnley manager Brian Laws has made his first signing at Turf Moor, bringing in striker Frédéric Nimani from Monaco on an initial five-month loan. The France Under-21 international interested three other Premier League sides, but opted for Burnley, with a view to a permanent move. He joins with the Clarets struggling for goals, scoring just three in the last seven league fixtures.

Weiss heads to Bolton in search of game time

Slovakia midfielder Vladimir Weiss has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season. The 20-year-old has struggled to break into the first team at Eastlands under Roberto Mancini and is keen for first-team action ahead of the World Cup. He made his debut at the end of last campaign and has scored once in four games for City this season.

Gardner breaches divide to complete Blues move

The Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner has completed a £3m move to Birmingham City, subject to a medical. The 23-year-old moves to his boyhood heroes after failing to figure in Martin O'Neill's plans at Villa, featuring just once since September. "Craig can perform in a number of positions," Blues manager Alex McLeish said. "Players like that are worth their weight in gold."

Elsewhere...

Galatasaray are close to agreeing a move for the out-of-favour Tottenham midfielder Giovani dos Santos. The Mexican has made just seven starts for Spurs since signing in July 2008. Everton manager David Moyes is in talks with Legia Warsaw over goalkeeper Jan Mucha. Chelsea are investigating a move for Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta, while the Palermo president, Maurizio Zamparini, says the club have turned down a bid from the West London club for Argentinian playmaker Javier Pastore. Portsmouth defender Mike Williamson is on the verge of signing for Newcastle United, while Hamburg defender Guy Demel has dismissed a move to Sunderland. Manchester City are interested in bringing West Ham's Valon Behrami to Eastlands and could be willing to pay up to £15m.