Transfer talk: Villa target defenders

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Villa target defenders

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is monitoring Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin, James Collins of West Ham and the Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock as he looks to bolster his defensive options. Distin and Collins would both cost £5m, while O'Neill has already had a bid for Warnock rejected.

Hungry Hull in Haminu hunt

Phil Brown is aiming to make Ghanaian forward Haminu Draman his fifth signing this summer, with the Lokomotiv Moscow striker likely to cost around £3m.

Yeung ready for Blues bid

Birmingham yesterday revealed that Grandtop International Holdings, the investment company of Carson Yeung, is interested in buying the Midlands club. "Grandtop has put down a deposit of £3m," a statement read, "with a view to making an offer for the entire issued share capital of the company."

Tottenham in for Anin

Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin is to undergo a trial with Spurs. "He will go to London to meet the directors of Tottenham," the French Ligue 2 side confirmed of the 23-year-old.

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Greening heads to Cottage

Fulham have finally completed the loan signing of the West Bromwich midfielder Jonathan Greening. The 30-year-old moves to Roy Hodgson's side on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent move next summer. The Cottagers had previously had three bids for the Baggies captain rejected this summer.

Bennett becomes a Seagull

The Wolves midfielder Elliott Bennett has signed a three-year contract at Brighton & Hove Albion. "Elliott is somebody we've been after for a while," the Seagulls manager, Russell Slade, said of the 20-year-old winger. "He is certainly one for the future."

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Rams forward refutes move

Derby striker Rob Hulse has ruled out a switch to Middlesbrough after being linked with a £5m move. "As far as I am concerned, it's something I don't need to hear about," the 29-year-old opined.

Aguero happy at Atletico

Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has reiterated his desire to stay in Spain. following links with a £45m move to either Chelsea or Manchester United. "I've always said I wanted to stay," the forward said following his fine strike at Panathinaikos this week. "And this is what has happened."

Tractor boy quits game

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Shane Supple has decided to quit football entirely, stating he has "fallen out of love with the game." The highly rated 22-year-old Irishman has had his contract at Portman Road terminated by the club.