NEWS/HEADLINES

>Roberto Mancini has confirmed Man City are 'close' to completing the signing of Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

>Skysports.com understands Birmingham are stepping up their interest in Liverpool's Ryan Babel.

>Skysports.com understands Aston Villa are ready to offer Ashley Young a new and improved contract.

>Roberto Mancini admits it may take 'two or three days' for Man City to wrap up a deal for James Milner.

>Mario Balotelli is undergoing his medical with Man City, Mark Hughes is keen on Craig Bellamy but will not allow Mark Schwarzer to join Arsenal.

>Fulham boss Mark Hughes has no intention of allowing Mark Schwarzer to join Premier League rivals Arsenal.

H E A D L I N E S

>Mancini reveals Robinho talks
>Cottagers join Bellamy chase
>Rovers losing Beattie race
>Behrami seeks Hammers exit
>Fergie will take Bebe steps
>Green to get new deal
>Dembele keen on Cottagers
>Bruce rules out Crouch swoop
>Blues eye Derbyshire deal
>Schwarzer - I need Gunners move
>Essien holds injury hope
>Huang hopeful of Reds deal
>Di Matteo targets upset
>Coyle upset over Cahill

M O R E

>Kalou - Last chance for Blues
>McCarthy admits weight battle
>Agent - Balotelli set to move
>Reds pounce for Poulsen
>Santos unhappy with Chelsea
>Welbeck seals loan move
>Sulejmani denied permit
>Giggs wants title back
>Jagielka staying with Everton
>Poulsen - I have lots to prove
>Ramsey set for November return
>Walcott - A massive season
>Arteta ready for toughest test

12.08 Australia goalkeeper Adam Federici has voiced his desire to improve his current contract at Reading when he returns from the World Cup in South Africa.

11.57 Burton boss Paul Peschisolido insists he will not rush Ryan Austin back into action following a long term injury and has handed the defender a short-term deal.

11.22 Valencia president Manuel Llorente has admitted that the club have received a number of approaches for star midfielder David Silva.

10.55 Bayer Leverkusen are considering a swoop for Michael Ballack following his release by Chelsea, director of sport Rudi Voller has revealed.

10.21 Lorient have told potential suitors that they do not need to sell any of their best players, amid rumours that Arsenal have made an increased offer for centre-back Laurent Koscielny.

09.48 Celtic boss Neil Lennon has said Sol Campbell can miss the opening Champions League qualifier to go on honeymoon if he signs with the Hoops.

09.25 Port Vale have agreed a two-year deal with out-of-contract Cheltenham striker Justin Richards.

08.48 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed his admiration of Everton's Steven Pienaar but stopped short of revealing whether a bid will be forthcoming.

08.27 A couple of tabloid transfer tales which may be of interest include Spurs approaching West Ham with a £10million bid for Carlton Cole, while Arsenal defender William Gallas is linked with Juventus.

08.13 Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has admitted he would be interested in a move back to the Premier League.

07.49 New Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez is reported to have made Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez and Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano his leading transfer targets.

07.24 Defender Nemanja Vidic's future at Manchester United is again in doubt after the Serbia international's agent hinted he could be ready to consider his future at Old Trafford.

-Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has admitted he would be interested in a move back to the Premier League.

-Nemanja Vidic's agent has hinted that the defender could leave Manchester United after the World Cup as he has yet to make a decision on his future.

-Lorient have told potential suitors that they do not need to sell any of their best players, amid rumours that Arsenal have made an increased offer for centre-back Laurent Koscielny.

-West Ham co-owner David Gold insists that Avram Grant was the stand-out candidate to fill the club's vacant managerial position.

-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed his admiration of Everton's Steven Pienaar but stopped short of revealing whether a bid will be forthcoming.

-Barcelona midfielder Xavi has once again reiterated his desire for Cesc Fabregas to move to the club

-Celtic boss Neil Lennon has said Sol Campbell can miss the opening UEFA Champions League qualifier to go on honeymoon if he signs with the Hoops.