Watford have rejected a bid of £4million from Fulham for star striker Marlon King. King, who signed a new contract with the Hornets in the summer, is the club's top scorer this season with 11 goals and has been a vital part of Adrian Boothroyd's side since he joined the club at the end of 2005.

Chief executive Mark Ashton said: "We have stated our position on Marlon; he is our leading goalscorer and one of the spearheads of our team. We have no need to sell him and neither do we want to."

Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed a £1.5million deal for Plymouth Argyle striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Plymouth were prepared to make Ebanks-Blake the best paid player in the club's history before Wolves triggered a release clause in the 21-year-old's contract with their offer.

He joined Argyle from Manchester United for £300,000 in 2006 and had a year left to run on his contract.

Middlesbrough are on the verge of signing the £14 million-rated Brazilian striker Afonso Alves from Heerenveen. (The Sun) Boro are also reported to be in talks with Lyons' Brazilian striker Fred over a £10m move. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham Hotspur could also move for Fred should Dimitar Berbatov seal a move to Manchester United. (The Guardian)

However, defender Pascal Chimbonda is desperate to leave Spurs after the club signalled plans to sign replacement right backs. (The Guardian) Martin O'Neill, the Aston Villa manager, is waiting in the wings with a £15 million swoop for Chimbonda and his Spurs team-mate Jermain Defoe. (Daily Star)

Tottenham could reignite their interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Maniche after Inter Milan pulled out of the race to sign him. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle United agreed a £5.5 million fee with Arsenal for unsettled defender Lassana Diarra, just hours before Sam Allardyce's exit. (Various) Allardyce had previously been promised a transfer kitty of only £8 million before his shock departure. (The Sun)

Palermo's Mark Bresciano has played down reports linking him with a move to Fulham. (The Independent) Roy Hodgson also wants to sign Watford striker Marlon King as Fulham fight for their Premier League survival (The Sun) but have put their move for Jean-Alain Boumsong, the centre back, on hold. Hodgson could move instead for Stephane Henchoz, as Blackburn Rovers will listen to offers. (Daily Star)

Valencia have joined Juventus in the race to sign out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City are hoping to sign Roma's Mancini. (The Sun) But Geovanni is poised to quit City for Deportivo La Coruna in the transfer window. (Daily Mail)

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has begged owner David Sullivan for £5.5million to buy Everton striker James McFadden. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann has agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth have taken Cho Jae-Jin, the South Korea striker, on trial with a view to a permanent deal after he was rejected by Newcastle. (Daily Express)

Paul Robinson had a furious bust-up with Juande Ramos, the Tottenham manager, after being axed against Arsenal on Wednesday. (Various)

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