Dead certs

Atlético Madrid last night agreed a deal with Arsenal to secure José Antonio Reyes. The 23-year-old, who spent a year on loan with Real Madrid, will sign a four-year contract.

Birmingham City have signed Hossam Ghaly from Tottenham Hotspur for £2 million rising to £3 million, depending on his success, and subject to a work permit. The Egypt midfield player, 25, agreed a three-year deal with a two-year further option, but signing Mido from Tottenham remains in doubt.

Aston Villa have signed Eric Lichaj, an 18-year-old defender who has played for the United States under17 and under20 teams. Darel Russell, the midfield player, has rejoined Norwich City from Stoke City after four years.

Decent bets

West Ham United have held talks with Barcelona about signing Eidur Gudjohnsen, the forward who is surplus to requirements after one season at the Nou Camp. Gudjohnsen began his career at Valur Reykjavik, the Icelandic club whose president for five years from 1984 was Eggert Magnússon, the West Ham chairman. Arnor, the player’s father and agent, said. “It would be something Eidur would consider as there are some Icelanders there.” West Ham want to bring in another forward and have also inquired about Yakubu Ayegbeni, of Middlesbrough, and Alan Smith, of Manchester United. Smith is also wanted by Newcastle United, who have equalled Middlesbrough’s £6 million bid. If Smith decided to go to St James’ Park, Kieron Dyer would finally be allowed to leave. Boukary Dramé, the Paris Saint-Germain and Senegal full back, is another player attracting Newcastle’s attention.

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks about signing Vedran Corluka, the Dynamo Zagreb right back who was also offered to Manchester City.

Anthony Le Tallec has been offered to Fulham, West Ham United and Birmingham City. The Liverpool attacking midfield player was on loan at Sochaux, in France, last season.

West Bromwich Albion are close to a deal to sign Bostjan Cesar, 25, the Marseilles central defender. Wigan Athletic expect to agree a deal to sign Paul Robinson, the West Bromwich defender, for £2.2 million.

Sunderland are trying to hijack Fulham’s attempt to sign Roy O’Donovan, the Cork City forward. Fulham had offered £300,000 rising to more than £500,000.

Long shots

Noé Pamarot has been offered to AS Monaco. The right back joined Portsmouth at the start of last year from Tottenham Hotspur as part of the deal in which Sean Davis and Pedro Mendes moved to Fratton Park. He played regularly for Tottenham after being signed by Jacques Santini, the former head coach, but left soon after recovering from a knee injury.

Darius Henderson, the Watford striker, has turned down a move to Preston North End after a £1.3 million fee was agreed between the clubs.

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