Liverpool are hopeful their £90,000-a-week offer to England midfielder Joe Cole will be enough to persuade him to turn down rival suitors Tottenham. Cole has been released by Chelsea.
Full story: the Guardian

The Reds want a decision from Cole this week, amid concerns at Anfield that Spurs or Arsenal could improve their bids.
Full story: the Sun

Cole is expected to make a decision on where he will resume his club career in the next 48 hours, while his former manager at Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti, claims the reason for his Stamford Bridge departure this summer was “economic”.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp hopes to sign Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy after pulling out of the race to land Cole.
Full story: the Sun

Chelsea and Real Madrid were given fresh hope in their pursuit of Mesut Ozil after Werder Bremen conceded they may have to sell their talented forward rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer. (The Times)

Tottenham are close to signing Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa from Spartak Moscow.
Full story: the Guardian

Aston Villa are ready to open talks with Spurs about the possibility of signing striker Robbie Keane.
Full story: Daily Express

European champions Inter Milan are considering a move for Everton’s South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.
Full story: Daily Mail

Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are closing in on a £6m deal for Arsenal’s Croatian striker Eduardo.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal are ready to offer £18m to sign Everton defender Phil Jagielka.
Full story: Daily Star

Former Arsenal and Everton forward Francis Jeffers will have a trial with Premier League newcomers Blackpool this week after being released by Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season.
Full story: Daily Mail

Newcastle have entered the race to sign former England defender Sol Campbell, who is a free agent after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season.
Full story: Daily Express

Birmingham defender Roger Johnson insists his side still need another six signings before the transfer window shuts.
Full story: the Sun

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez wants to take Chelsea’s Argentine striker Franco Di Santo on loan for the season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Another Chelsea youngster who could be heading out on a season-long loan deal is defender Jeffrey Bruma, who is ready to sign for ex-England boss Steve McClaren’s German side Wolfsburg.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is ready make his first major signing for the Premier League newcomers with a club record £1m deal for Derby striker Rob Hulse.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Striker Marlon Harewood – a free agent following his release by Aston Villa – is considering accepting a two-year contract to join Dubai club Al Ahli, who are managed by former Leeds boss David O’Leary.
Full story: Daily Mirror

David Osterland