O'Neill Looks To Add To English Contingent

Stewart Downing looks destined to join Aston Villa this week in a £12million deal. As Sportsmail revealed, Villa boss Martin O’Neill is determined to sign the England winger even though he is unlikely to return from his broken foot injury until October at the earliest. The move will raise further questions over the future of England international Ashley Young. Although Tottenham are interested, it is the threat of a move from either Chelsea or Manchester United that may concern Villa more. Tottenham have also shown an interest in Downing, who will be 25 later this month. Downing is due to meet O’Neill this week to discuss terms.

Source: Daily Mail

Mick McCarthy Knight Raider

Wolves are ready to rival Bolton in a bid to sign Aston Villa’s Zat Knight. The 29-year-old, the tallest Premier League defender at 6ft 6in, is available for around £3million and is ready to hold talks with Bolton boss Gary Megson but Wolves will try to match their offer.

Source: Daily Mail

Bruce Returns To Wigan For Cattermole

Sunderland have made an increased bid just short of £6m for England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole. Boss Steve Bruce has targeted his former Wigan player to provide the steel and drive in the heart of his side at the Stadium of Light next season. After having an initial ­offer of £4m knocked back by his old club last week, Bruce has returned with improved terms. Wigan insist they do not want to sell Cattermole, 21, who was one of England’s most impressive performers at the European Under-21 Championships last month.

Bruce Lines Up Dawson As Dunne Back-up

Steve Bruce's hopes of signing Manchester City defender Richard Dunne are fading. And the Sunderland boss is now ready to switch his sights to Tottenham centre-half Michael Dawson. Spurs value their man at £5million - the same price City want for Republic of Ireland international Dunne.

Mido Set For Egypt Return

Zamalek board member Ibrahim Youssef says the club have opened talks with Mido in an attempt to secure the striker's services on loan. The Middlesbrough hitman, who was recently fined for failing to report to the Championship side's pre-season training camp on time, is hoping to land a move back to the Premier League. But if such a switch does not materialise, Mido would consider moving back to Egypt. "Mido said he was ready to join Zamalek if he did not receive any offers from English Premier League clubs," Youssef told Al-Hayat TV. "We are ready to pay Middlesbrough up to £1million to sign Mido on a season-long loan."

Source: Sporting Life

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