Long shots

Arsãne Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is unlikely to be impressed with Cesc Fàbregas, his Spain midfield player. Aside from expressing a desire to return to Barcelonaone day, Fàbregas also believes that Thierry Henry, his teammate, will have difficulty turning down an offer from the Spanish club for the second successive summer.

“I think that it’s difficult to say no to Barça,” Fàbregas said. “I know Henry likes Barça, the problem is he loves Arsenal a lot for what the club have given him and the experience he has had at the club.

“Henry has already won the World Cup with France and now he wants to win titles at club level. For me, Barça are a top club, so are Arsenal, but it is up to Henry to decide what is the best for him.”

Arsenal, meanwhile, are attempting to hijack Florent Malouda’s proposed move to Liverpool, according to reports in France.

Manchester Cityare said to be the latest in a long list of clubs wanting to sign Djibril Cissé, who is out of favour at Liverpool. Marseilles— where Cissé was on loan last season — Bolton Wanderers and Benficaare also said to be interested.

Carlos Tenorio, the Ecuador striker, is thought to be attracting tentative interest from Bolton, Wigan Athletic, Sunderlandand Portsmouth.

AS Roma, Everton and Newcastle Unitedare reputedly tracking Boudewijn Zenden, who has been released by Liverpool.

Decent bets

Nigel Reo-Coker could be heading for Aston Villa after Martin O’Neill, the manager, made a £7 million bid for the West Ham Unitedmidfield player last night.

Another player likely to be leaving Upton Park is Marlon Harewood, who said yesterday that his days at the club are numbered. Portsmouthand Wigan Athleticare interested in the forward, who would cost in the region of £2.5 million.

AC Milan have announced that Alberto Gilardino, the Italy forward, would be available for £16 million, presumably in an attempt to clear the way for a move for Samuel Eto’o, the Barcelona striker, now the Italian club have all but given up hope of signing Andriy Shevchenko from Chelsea.

Jussi Jaaskelainen’s future should be resolved in the next week after representatives of the Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper flew to Finland today. Sunderland have bid £2 million for Jaaskelainen, 32, who wants a £40,000-a-week four-year deal to stay put.

Portsmouthare believed to have offered about £4 million for Alou Diarra, the Lyons midfield player, but face rivalry from Werder Bremen.

Dead certs

Chelseahave signed Jacob Mellis, a promising 16-year-old midfield player, from Sheffield Unitedin a deal worth up to £1.3 million, depending on his success at the club. “It is disappointing to lose such a talent,” Terry Robinson, the United chairman, said. “We made a great effort to keep hold of Jacob, but he made it clear that he wanted to leave.”

Jonny Evans, the 19-year-old Northern Ireland defender, will be given the chance to fight for a first-team place at Manchester Unitednext season after being told that he will not be returning to Sunderlandon loan.

Antti Niemi, the Finland goalkeeper, will sign a new contract at Fulhamin the next fortnight.

Jobi McAnuff has joined Watfordon a three-year deal from Crystal Palacefor an initial fee of £1.75 million.

Aaron Brown, the Reading defender, has been given another year at the club, who are also keen to extend Nicky Shorey’s contract. Talks with the England left back are planned later in the summer.