Vidic’s future in doubt as United move for Smalling

It seems the end of the January transfer window is bringing out the devil in Premier League bosses with one or two attempting to climb through the window in search of swag before it snaps shut in a few days.
 
Take Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who had been competing with Alex Ferguson for the attentions of Fulham's highly-rated defender Chris Smalling. A few days ago it appeared the 20-year-old Smalling was on his way to the Emirates Stadium, but then Manchester United dangled a £7m contract in front of the Fulham man and an announcement was made on the Reds' website on Tuesday afternoon confirming that the deal was all done and dusted... but not in Wenger's eyes.

According to the Daily Mail, the Arsenal boss "made a last-ditch bid" on Tuesday evening to pinch Smalling from under the noses of United, the outcome of which has divided the nation's press. The Mail says that Arsenal matched United's £7 but their offer "was rejected" by Fulham and that Smalling is Manchester-bound. But the Daily Mirror has better news for Gunners fans, reporting that Arsenal have indeed put a £7m deal in front of Smalling "and it is now up to the player to decide on his future".

However, the paper also quotes Fulham boss Roy Hodgson as saying on Tuesday evening: "The club has accepted an offer from Manchester United and as far as I know that is where he is going." Hodgson was full of praise for Smalling – who has made only nine first-team appearances for the Craven Cottage side – describing the youngster as "a great talent and we're proud we've produced a player of that quality".

If, as most people predict, Smalling does end up at Manchester United, but is loaned back to Fulham until the summer, then there will be renewed speculation about Nemanja Vidic's future at the club.

The Telegraph claims the Smalling deal would pave the way for Vidic's £20m switch to Real Madrid in the summer.

Amid the speculation swirling around Anfield about the futures of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Rafa Benitez it appears that everybody forgot about Yossi Benayoun - who is set to ditch Liverpool for Dynamo Moscow.

The Israeli international is one of the club's most reliable performers and Benitez would be loathe to lose him. But Benayoun's agent has thrashed out a deal with the Russian outfit.

Dynamo hope to agree a fee of £7m by the end of the week, and they are confident that Benitez will not be able to block the deal.

The Russian club also signed Andriy Voronion in the transfer windown and sporting director Konstantin Sarsania said: "When we completed the signing of Voronin, consent was given by Benitez. Now the Liverpool coach is against losing Benayoun, but the decision is not his, it is for the club's directors."

The Robinho saga rumbles on and Manchester City have been dealt a blow by the player they hoped to replace the Brazilian with.

City hope that Paulo Henrique Ganso could end up as part of the deal, but the highly-rated 20-year-old midfielder has insulted City's new owners by implying that Roberto Mancini's men are still just a bunch of wannabes.

"I don't want to play for Manchester City," he announced. "I'd prefer to play for a big club in Europe such as Milan, Real Madrid or Barcelona."

Arsenal's north London rivals, Spurs, have also been trying to burgle their Premier League opponents, in their case a bold bid to steal Eidur Gudjohnsen from West Ham. The Mirror says that the former Chelsea striker, now at Monaco in the French league, flew into Stansted on Tuesday to discuss terms with Hammers officials - but who should be loitering in the arrivals lounge? None other than "Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and chairman Daniel Levy".

The paper says that Gudjohnsen, 31, has agreed to drop in on White Hart Lane once he's concluded discussions at West Ham. Redknapp certainly has more to offer the Icelandic star in terms of competitive football, particularly after Spurs' 2-0 defeat of Fulham on Tuesday night consolidated their position in fourth, three points ahead of Liverpool in fifth. West Ham, in contrast, continue to struggle and won't be able to offer Gudjohnsen the guarantee of Premier League football next season.

The Mirror quotes Redknapp as saying of Gudjohnsen: "I like him. He's a good footballer and an interesting player... It wouldn't be a case of gazumping anyone because he's available." Redknapp confirmed that he'd spoken to the Icelander's management team but the matter was now in the hands of Daniel Levy "because I don't get involved in contracts and wages".

In other news, the Mail reports that Sunderland "are ready to revive their interest" in Liverpool winger Ryan Babel. The unhappy Dutchman is desperate to leave Anfield and Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen to strengthen his firepower.

However, the paper says that the main sticking point might be Babel's reluctance to move to the north-east. Babel has already turned down an offer from Birmingham, allegedly because he didn't fancy becoming a Brummie, and he's let it be known he would prefer the bright lights of London. But with no capital club seemingly interested, he might have to settle for Sunderland. ·