Dead certs

Everton are set to sign Steven Pienaar, the South Africa midfield player, on loan from Borussia Dortmund. Johann Vogel, the Switzerland midfield player, is also close to moving to Goodison Park from Real Betis. “Everton would be a fantastic opportunity,” Vogel said.

Queens Park Rangers have accepted a £2.5 million offer from Fulham for Lee Cook, 24, the winger.

Reading have signed three 16-year-old South Koreans, Nam Taehee, Ji Dongwon and Kim Wonsik, for their academy.

Leicester City are close to signing D. J. Campbell from Birmingham City for £2 million. Watford, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City were also interested in the striker.

Brentford have signed Grant Basey, the Charlton defender, on a one-year loan.

Decent bets

Manchester City have rejected a bid from Besiktas for Darius Vassell, the England forward.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have switched their sights to Armand Traoré, the Arsenal defender, after dropping out of the race to sign Michael Mancienne on loan from Chelsea.

Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and West Ham United are leading the race to sign Roque Santa Cruz, the Bayern Munich forward.

Ipswich Town and Cardiff City are interested in Neil Kilkenny, the Birmingham City midfield player.

Plymouth Argyle have not given up on signing Peter Thompson, the highly rated Northern Ireland forward, from Linfield.

Long shots

Manchester City are ready to pay £10 million for Nery Castillo, the Olympiacos and Mexico forward.

West Ham United are facing competition to sign Stephen Appiah, the Fenerbahçe midfield player who is valued at £5 million.

Chelsea will step up their pursuit of Pascal Chimbonda by offering Tottenham Hotspur £8 million.

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