Decent bets

Fulham have inquired with Middlesbrough about signing Luke Young, the full back, with Jimmy Bullard, their midfield player, moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal. Fulham’s first choice was Steve Finnan, but the Liverpool right back’s salary demands are prohibitive.

Samir Nasri, the Marseilles and France midfield player, yesterday claimed to have signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, but his agent later denied that the clubs had reached agreement on a deal thought to be worth about £12 million.

Shola Ameobi is expected to move to West Bromwich Albion for about £2.5 million. The Newcastle United striker has rejected moves to Stoke City, where he was on loan last season, and Ipswich Town.

Queens Park Rangers have increased their offer by £500,000 to £1.75 million for Ben Watson, the midfield player at Crystal Palace, who have offered him an improved, long-term contract.

Chris Coleman, the Coventry City manager, has expressed an interest in Glen Southam, the Dagenham & Redbridge midfield player, who has put in a transfer request.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have accepted a transfer request from Seyi Olofinjana, the Nigeria midfield player, who is attracting interest from Celtic, Fulham, Hull City, Stoke and West Brom.

Dead certs

Didier Digard, the Paris Saint-Germain and France Under-21 midfield player, will complete his £4 million transfer to Middlesbrough within the next 48 hours.

Long shots

Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Sergio Asenjo, who has become the first-choice goalkeeper at Real Valladolid at the age of 18.

Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, has confirmed his interest in Yossi Benayoun, the Israel midfield player, who joined Liverpool from West Ham United last summer for £5 million.