Sunderland have taken their summer spending to almost £28 million by signing an eighth player in the Cork City forward Roy O'Donovan. The Republic of Ireland B international has agreed a three-year contract for an undiscolsed fee believed to be around £1m. "I had a choice between Fulham and Sunderland, but when I spoke to Roy Keane my mind was made up," O'Donovan said.

Liverpool are on the verge of signing Charles Itandje, the Lens goalkeeper, before Thursday night's Champions League deadline, which will pave the way for Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan. Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, remains confident of signing Gabriel Heinze, the Manchester United defender.

Sampdoria have vowed to try to head off Premier League clubs who are interested in the Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano.

Manchester City, West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers are all being linked with the Italian, but Sampdoria's Sporting Director Beppe Marotta has warned that they are determined to sign him. Marotta said:"He's one of the most talented Italian players. We are certainly interested."

Steve Bruce, the Birmingham City manager, is still hopeful of strengthening his midfield by signing Arsenal's John Djourou on loan.

Bruce also wanted Djourou's team-mate Mathieu Flamini, but said: "He has made it clear that he wants to stay at Arsenal. But, rest assured, we haven't finished yet." Bruce is still working on a deal for Mido, the Tottenham Hotspur striker who is also wanted by Sunderland. The Wearside club expect a decision inside 24 hours.

Everton, who have admitted an interest in the Middlesbrough forward Ayegbeni Yakubu, may have to look elsewhere. Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager, continues to insist that the Nigerian international is not for sale.

The Everton manager David Moyes may have more success in an attempt to land Benfica's Manuel Fernandes. Derby County, anxious to improve their squad, are being linked with the Hamburg midfield player Benny Feilhaber, a USA international. The player's agent has indicated that Derby County are preparing to offer a three-year contract.

Reports continue to link Newcastle United with Fulham's Papa Boupa Diop, the 29-year-old Senegalese international. Liam Rosenior could also be leaving Craven Cottage as Aston Villa step up their interest.

Francis Jeffers, the former Blackburn Rovers striker, has joined Sheffield Wednesday, for an undisclosed fee. The well-travelled forward has signed a three-year contract.

Danny Mills is another Premier League player who could be destined for the Championship. The former England international is wanted by Hull City and has already had talks with manager Phil Brown.

West Brom are on the brink of completing a move for Pele. This particular Pele is the Southampton defender, who has been told he can leave the Saints. QPR have extended the loan of Chelsea forward Ben Sahar until Jaunary 1.

Leeds United have handed 12-month contracts to experienced duo Alan Thompson and Tore Andre Flo. Bradford City have signed former Brentford winger Alex Rhodes on a 12-month contract, and Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, on loan from Gillingham until January 1.

Wycombe Wanderers have signed the Trinidad and Tobago internatioal Andre Bocaud, 22,. He had been on trial after being released by Kettering. Elsewhere in League Two, Hereford have signed Darlington's Simon Johnson, while the North East club have taken Wycombe winger Chris Palmer on loan until the end of the year.

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