Transfer Talk: New runners in race for Cole

James Mariner

James Mariner is a journalist who has been boring The Independent sports desk with mindless statistics for over four years. Helping with various, wide-ranging desk duties and the endless researching of panels, James has an unnatural love of all things football, and in particular the Premier League. He cites Brian Sears among his heroes and can even find something interesting in Stoke v Blackburn Rovers. On a good day.

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Long shots: Manchester City have joined Spurs in the chase for Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, with the North Londoners also monitoring Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.

Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng has attracted the attention of Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, although the clubs have yet to settle on a fee. England international Ben Foster could be on his way to Sunderland or Stoke as Manchester United ponder a move for Schalke's Manuel Neuer.

Birmingham remain interested in Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner, despite having an initital offer refused. Wolves have bid £6.5m for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, while Newcastle have joined the long list of suitors interested in a loan move for Arsenal's Jack Wilshere. Argentina international Angel di Maria has turned down a £38m move to Manchester City.

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