Press Watch: North London rivals 'lead chase for Okocha'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bolton Wanderers' fears of losing Jay Jay Okocha will be heightened by the News of the World's revelation that the midfielder has bought a £1.8m house in London. Okocha is said to be ready to turn down a £48,000-a-week offer to stay at the club in favour of a move to Tottenham Hotspur or Arsenal, a suggestion endorsed by the Mail on Sunday, which says Tottenham hope to sign the Nigerian.
One player the News of the World says will not be joining Spurs, unless they improve their offer, is the West Ham United striker Jermain Defoe. West Ham, who value Defoe at £8m, are said to have rejected an offer of £4m plus Bobby Zamora.
The People says Tottenham have also been snubbed by Mark Hughes. Tottenham are said to have wanted the Wales manager as assistant to their prospective new manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, but were told by Hughes that he would only leave Wales if he were put in charge.
Tottenham are among clubs reported by the Sunday Mirror to have enquired about Manchester United's Nicky Butt. The only bid so far is said to have been made by Birmingham City, but it is £2m short of United's £5m asking price. Another Tottenham target, according to the Sunday People, is the Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The same paper says the Leeds striker Mark Viduka also still interests the London club.
Both the News of the World and the Mirror report that the Seville striker Jose Antonio Reyes would welcome a move to Arsenal, but a fee of between £16m and £18m for the 20-year-old would seem to be beyond the Highbury club's budget.
Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos are both linked to Chelsea by the Mirror, who suggest that a pre-contract deal with the latter has been agreed. The paper adds that the Brazilians' team-mate, David Beckham, has said he will not be leaving Real Madrid whatever Chelsea might offer.
Another piece of Chelsea business reported by the Mirror involves the signing of the 18-year-old defender Eduardo Alcides, who is valued at £2.6m by his club, Vitoria. The Brazilian would join Ajax on loan to smooth the summer signing of the Tunisian right back Hatem Trabelsi from the Dutch club.
Birmingham, said by the People to be about to complete a £1.7m move for Blackburn Rovers' Martin Taylor, are said by the Mirror to be poised to bid £1.5m for Middlesbrough's on-loan Leeds defender Danny Mills, after hearing Boro do not want to pay a fee for him.
The Mail on Sunday says Chelsea expect to sign Charlton Athletic's Scott Parker this week, but the News of the World says Charlton want £10m.
The Mirror says Espanyol are interested in Fulham's Facundo Sava while the Mail thinks Fulham want Celtic's Chris Sutton to replace Louis Saha.
Southampton lead Newcastle, Everton, Fulham and Leicester in a race to signthe Huddersfield striker Jon Stead, says the News of the World, which also says Everton and Middlesbrough want Preston North End's Ricardo Fuller, who was denied a move to Wolves last week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments