Arsenal have rejected an audacious attempt by Liverpool to take Theo Walcott on loan for the rest of the season. The 18-year-old has attracted interest from several Barclays Premier League clubs, with Sven-Göran Eriksson still hopeful of luring him to Manchester City, but the fact that Rafael BenÍtez was willing to place his faith in a player of such limited experience as he attempts to rescue Liverpool’s faltering season will come as a surprise.

BenÍtez has admired Walcott for some time and was one of many managers scrambling for his signature when he left Southampton two years ago, only to balk at his £12 million fee. The Spaniard had hoped to use him on the right wing for the remainder of the season, but Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is adamant that he will not be allowed out on loan.

Dead certs

Gareth Southgate insisted last night that Middlesbrough’s chances of signing Afonso Alves from Heerenveen are “pretty good”, although an acceptable fee is still to be negotiated. The player was reported to have agreed personal terms last night, but there remains a complication as AZ Alkmaar had previously agreed to pay £13 million for the Brazil centre forward, which is far beyond Middlesbrough’s valuation. “Most of the parties are willing and keen to do it,” Southgate said. “Getting a new face through the door would help everybody.”

Manchester City have handed a trial to Filippo Mancini, the son of Roberto. The 17-year-old striker made his Inter Milan debut as a substitute last week.

Watford have signed Mathew Sadler, the defender, from Birmingham City on a 3½year deal for an initial fee of £750,000, rising to £900,000.

Decent bets

Middlesbrough’s proposed deal to buy Fred from Lyons is now “probably unlikely”, according to Southgate, after the striker told his club he did not wish to leave. Stewart Downing was yesterday understood to be meeting Steve Gibson, the Middlesbrough chairman, in an attempt to resolve his future.

Tottenham Hotspur have previously made contact regarding the winger, who has already rejected one offer of an improved contract.

Tottenham have given Tiago until Sunday to agree to a move or they will withdraw from a deal to sign the Portugal midfield player from Juventus.

Portsmouth were last night attempting to sign Milan Baros on loan from Lyons. The forward said that the deal was becoming complicated and he had not made up his mind. Michael Ciani, the Lorient defender, 23, has attracted interest from Fulham, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers. Fulham are monitoring Paul Scharner, the Wigan Athletic defender.

LuÍs Fabiano has said that he does not want to join Manchester City midway through the season. The forward says that City have made an offer of £9 million to Seville, who own 35 per cent of his transfer rights. The rest is owned by an independent company.

Gillingham have agreed to sell Luke Freeman, the 15-year-old striker, to Arsenal.

Marton Fulop has said that he wants to leave Sunderland, who value him at £3 million. The goalkeeper returned to the club in December after a loan spell at Leicester City, whose bid of £1 million this month was turned down.

Charlton Athletic have been watching Tiago Valente, a defender at Pacos De Ferreira, of Portugal.

Long shots

Reading’s £7 million valuation of Leroy Lita appears to have priced him out of a move. Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Sunderland have expressed an interest in the forward, who has 1½ years left on his contract. Marc Mboua, the Cambuur Leeu-warden midfield player, 20, is being tracked by several clubs, including Chelsea. Middlesbrough have denied having an interest in Shola Ameobi, the Newcastle forward.