Dead certs

Fulham were on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Steven Davis from Aston Villa last night. The midfield player, 22, has two years remaining on his contract.

Birmingham City have signed Olivier Kapo from Juventus for £3 million. The midfield player agreed a three-year deal with an option for a further two years. Newcastle United have completed the signing of David Rozehnal, the defender, from Paris Saint-Germain for £2.9 million, with a further £200,000 based on appearances.

Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta, the Everton midfield players, have ended speculation about their futures by agreeing new £40,000-a-week, five-year deals. “We are delighted with how he [Arteta] has done. He played really well last season,” David Moyes, the Everton manager, said. “We like his skills and ability, but he has grown into the team ethic that we have here and I think that has been the reason he has done so well.”

Bryan Hughes has signed for Hull City after the midfield player left Charlton Athletic, where he is out of contract.

Ben Sahar, the Chelsea forward, is expected to move to Queens Park Rangers on loan for six months. He follows Michael Mancienne and Jimmy Smith, who made a similar move last season. Nottingham Forest have invited Didier Agathe, who is a free agent after leaving Villa in January, to join them for a trial.

Decent bets

Aston Villa have made an inquiry about Marlon Harewood, who would be considered as a squad player. Fulham appear unwilling to increase their offer for the West Ham United forward.

Robbie Savage, the Blackburn Rovers midfield player, who is being targeted by Wigan Athletic, has insisted that he wants to stay at Ewood Park, while Kevin Nolan has reiterated that he has no desire to leave Bolton Wanderers amid interest from West Ham.

Middlesbrough and Everton have made inquiries about Luke Young. Charlton Athletic will accept an offer in the region of £3.5 million for the right back.

Fulham are in talks about Jason Roberts, the Blackburn forward. Roberts has also been linked with Everton and Charlton, but he is unwilling to move to The Valley after the club were relegated.

Tommy Miller, the Sunderland midfield player, is in talks with Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday. Marc Bircham is a target for Gillingham after being released by Queens Park Rangers.

Long shots

Portsmouth have been told that Yakubu Ayegbeni will cost £10 million. He has scored 25 goals in 71 league appearances for Middlesbrough since leaving the South Coast club for £7.5 million two years ago.

Wigan Athletic have ruled out a move for Nathan Ellington, the West Bromwich Albion forward. Sheffield Wednesday have rejected a bid by Fulham for Chris Brunt. Words by Gary Jacob, Oliver Kay and James Ducker

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