Decent bets

Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs to have been offered Luis Garcia, the former Liverpool forward. García, who can play in several positions along the front line, has fallen out of favour at Atlético Madrid after moving to the Spanish club from Anfield for about £4 million last year having scored 18 goals in 75 Premier League appearances for Liverpool after his £6 million transfer from Barcelona in 2004. The Spaniard could also be attractive to Middlesbrough and Fulham, who are looking for a forward.

West Ham United are expected to allow David Di Michele to return to Torino. The forward, who has been on loan at Upton Park, has not scored since his brace in his second match, the 3-1 victory against Newcastle United in September. “I have heard news regarding my return to Turin, but I am only thinking about doing well for West Ham,” he said.

Dead certs

Nadir Belhadj has signed a 4½-year deal with Portsmouth after a spell on loan from Lens. The Algeria left back, who cost £4.4 million, has scored two goals in 23 appearances for the South Coast club. Tony Adams, the Portsmouth manager, said that Arsène Wenger, his Arsenal counterpart, had been impressed with Belhadj. “He commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly,” Adams said.

The deal for Belhadj is likely to be followed by the departures of Jermain Defoe, the striker, and Glen Johnson, the right back who is wanted by Liverpool, as Portsmouth seek to raise funds. They have already sold Lassana Diarra, the midfield player, to Real Madrid for £18 million.

Long shots

Alessandro Rosina has been offered on loan to Arsenal by Torino. The 24-year-old Italy attacking midfield player, who has been watched by scouts from the North London club, has been tipped for a great future and has been nicknamed “Rosinaldo” for his Brazilian style.

Marek Cech has threatened to leave West Bromwich Albion unless he is given more opportunities to play. The Slovakia defender has started just two league matches this season after his £1.4 million move from Porto in the summer. “If I don’t play here I won’t play for the national team, which is a big thing for me,” he said.