Liverpool are set to miss out on imposing striker Lacina Traore, who is set to join Anzhi Makhachkala.
The 6ft 8in powerhouse, currently at Kuban Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, was on Liverpool’s radar.
New manager Brendan Rodgers is in the market for more attacking options and hoped Traore would join his Anfield revolution.
But Anzhi have emerged as the strong favourites to land the 22-year-old, who is yet to earn a call-up for the Ivory Coast.
Thomas Hitzlsperger has backed Lukas Podolski to fulfill his potential and become a success at Arsenal.
The German international failed to make the grade at Bayern Munich in his previous shot at the big time and made a return to hometown club Cologne.
But Hitzlsperger insists Podolski will thrive in the Premier League with Arsenal, where the focus won’t just be on him.
Mark Pearson brings the Breakfast boys all the latest odds.
Team Great Britain (11/2 Olympic Gold outright) head coach Stuart Pearce has decided to overlook former England captain David Beckham for the London Olympics.
Fulham have completed the signing of Croatian striker Mladen Petric on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Craven Cottage after leaving Hamburg last month.
Petric, who worked under Fulham boss Martin Jol when he was in charge of the German club for the 2008-2009 season, scored 38 goals in 98 games during his four-year spell at the Imtech Arena.
Coventry City have confirmed that former defender Richard Shaw will be Andy Thorn’s new assistant manager.
Shaw replaces Steve Harrison who was axed earlier this week after three years at the Ricoh Arena.
The Sky Blues legend played for the club 317 times over 11 years and is hoping that he can help the side earn promotion back to the Championship after last season’s relegation.
Liverpool are poised to complete the £6.4million signing of giant striker Lacina Traore from Russian outfit Kuban Krasnodar.
Traore, 22, caught the attention of clubs across Europe after his exploits for former club CFR Cluj.
Liverpool have fallen behind Juventus in the race to sign Uruguayan sensation Gaston Ramirez.
Ramirez, 21, has been heavily linked with Manchester City and Liverpool in recent months after an outstanding season at Serie A side Bologna.
The Uruguay international is expected to leave Bologna this summer following club president Albano Guaraldi's assertion earlier this week that the midfielder is available for a fee of £16m.
Manchester City will go head-to-head to with Barcelona to sign defender Javi Martinez.
The stylish Athletic Bilbao star is top of Roberto Mancini’s shopping list as he looks to bolster his defensive options.
It was reported that Martinez , 23 who starred for the Basque club in the Europa League last season, had agreed to join Bayern Munich, but Barcelona are now ready to hijack that move.
Spain are through to the final of Euro 2012 after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Portugal.
After 120 minutes had failed to separate the two sides, Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves missed for Portugal, leaving Cesc Fabregas to hit the winning spot-kick for Spain.
Vicente del Bosque’s side will face either Germany or Italy, who meet on Thursday, on Sunday in Kiev with the chance to become the first team to win three consecutive major tournaments.
Bert van Marwijk has quit as Holland boss after their humiliating Euro 2012 campaign.
The Dutch finished bottom of Group B after failing to earn a single point from their three group games against Denmark, Germany and Portugal.
The woeful display came only two years after they reached the World Cup final under van Marwijk, who took over from Marco van Basten in 2008.
A statement on the KNVB's website said: "On the initiative of Bert van Marwijk, the KNVB and Bert van Marwijk decided on Wednesday to end the coach's contract with immediate effect.
![Adrian [left] celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid](http://m.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/Adrian_Atleitoc.jpg "Adrian [left] celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid")
Arsenal are being given mixed messages in their pursuit of Spanish striker Adrian as the Atletico Madrid man stalls on the offer of a new contract at the Vicente Calderon.
Adrian, who joined Atletico from Deportivo La Coruna last summer, enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, with his stunning form culminating in senior international recognition last month.
The 24-year-old played a prominent role in Atletico's march to Europa League success last season, and Atletico are keen to reward him for his exploits.
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Samba Diakite has spoken of his delight at signing for the club permanently for an undisclosed fee.
The Malian international impressed during his nine games for the club last season whilst on loan from French side AS Nancy, even after the tenacious star was sent off in his first match for Mark Hughes' side.
Gareth Bale has signed a new four-year contract at Tottenham, committing his future to the club until 2016.
Bale, who joined Spurs from Southampton in 2007 at the age of 17, has made a total of 160 appearances, scoring 29 goals.
Pedro Mendes believes Spain are scared of Portugal and their captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
After a stuttering start to Euro 2012, the Real Madrid star exploded into life against Holland, notching twice in a 2-1 win, and then netted the only goal in the quarter-final victory over Czech Republic, setting up a semi-final clash with Vicente del Bosque's side.
Everton and West Ham are leading the chase to sign Pescara defender Marco Capuano.
Capuano was one of the star performers for Pescara last season and played a major role in helping them gain promotion into Serie A for the first time in 20 years.
The Italy Under-21 international is rated one of the best young talents in Italy and has attracted interest from both David Moyes and Sam Allardyce.