Manchester City are expected to agree a deal to sign Craig Bellamy for about £12 million this week after preparing an improved bid for the Wales forward last night. West Ham United turned down an offer of £9.5 million yesterday and City appear to have given up hope of signing Scott Parker, the West Ham midfield player.

Bolton Wanderers have ended their interest in Joey Barton after having a £2 million bid rejected by Newcastle United for the midfield player, who is also wanted by Portsmouth.

Decent bets

Ariza Makukula missed training with Benfica yesterday, fuelling speculation that the Portugal forward is close to leaving, with West Bromwich Albion among the suitors. Roman Bednar’s agent has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the West Brom striker, who has scored six goals this season. “There are also other Premier League clubs who want Roman,” Pavel Zika said.

Dead certs

Newcastle United have taken Peter Lovenkrands on trial after the Denmark forward was released by Schalke 04. Lovenkrands spent six years at Rangers after joining them in 2000, scoring 54 goals in 182 appearances.

West Brom have released Bartosz Slusarski, the striker, and allowed Sherjill MacDonald to go on loan to Roeselare, of Belgium, until the end of the season. Wigan Athletic have completed a deal for Hugo Rodallega, the Colombia forward, who has been granted a work permit after leaving Necaxa, the Mexican club.

Blackburn Rovers have signed Nick Blackman, the 19-year-old Macclesfield Town striker who has trained at Ewood Park this season, for an undisclosed fee, but Lee Keun Ho, the the South Korea forward, has rejected a trial at the club to remain at Daegu.

Preston North End have signed Ross Wallace from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee after the winger had a loan spell at the Coca-Cola Championship club this season.

Long shots

Stoke City have expressed an interest in Jean Calvé, the Nancy defender. Gérémi, the Newcastle midfield player, has attracted the attention of Besiktas.