Premier League news and rumours.

Manchester United have made an inquiry about Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins. The Sun reckons Obafemi Martins is the more likely target - he's got a £13m release clause in his contract - and if Ferguson can't get him, he'll have a bit of Dimitar Berbatov for £25m.

Berbatov is reported to be at the centre of problems between Jol and the Spurs board after he reacted angrily to being substituted during the opening-day defeat at Sunderland.
Reports suggest that Jol then recommended the sale of the Bulgarian striker on the grounds that he is not a 'team player', a suggestion which did not go down well with some members of the Tottenham board.
Jol's relationship with the club's board has grown increasingly fractious and a shortlist of potential replacements was reputedly drawn up last week. Although Ramos heads the list, the names of Marcello Lippi and Mark Hughes also feature. In what must be a typo, The Daily Mail adds that of 'Harry Redknapp'.

Yakubu's move to Everton is set to collapse as Middlesbrough are demanding £12m for the striker.

Carlo Cudicini wants to leave Chelsea by the end of the month - but has missed out on the chance to join Man City. (Daily Mirror)

Rio Ferdinand is refusing to press the panic button, despite Manchester United's miserable start to their defence of the Premier League title. "There is plenty of character at United but we need to get that victory as soon as possible. Hopefully, it'll come against Spurs on Sunday."

David Nugent realises his days are numbered at Portsmouth after just three games. Derby will pay £6m for him and Harry Redknapp will use that cash to buy Nicolas Anelka. Unless Redknapp is already Spurs manager. Or Anelka is already at Man United.

William Gallas, the Arsenal defender suffered a groin injury in his side's 1-1 Premier League draw with Blackburn on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

English Premier League mid-week news.

Carlos Tevez ready to take over Rooney role. He is expected to made his debut at Portsmouth on Thursday (AEST), replacing injury victim Wayne Rooney.

Ferguson had hoped to hold the forward in reserve until Sunday's Manchester derby, when United travel to face near neighbour City. but he admitted that with Rooney sidelined for up to two months after fracturing his left foot in Sunday's season-opener with Reading, his new signing will be thrown straight into the action against Pompey

Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, according to reports in Spain.

Both AS and Marca claim the deal is closer than ever to being done, with the latter reporting that Blues owner Roman Abramovich is thought to be prepared to accept Real's offer of 30million euros for the Dutchman.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has confirmed that he is interested in signing the veteran former Newcastle United and Manchester United striker Andy Cole.

The 35-year-old is without a club after being released by Portsmouth earlier this summer and Keane is looking to add him to his striking options before the end of the month.

Premium League this summer top transfers

THE SUMMER'S TOP TRANSFERS

1.£21.5m* F Torres Atletico Madrid to Liverpool

2.£17m* O Hargreaves Bayern Munich to Man Utd

3.£17m* Nani Sporting Lisbon to Man Utd

4.£16.5m Darren Bent Charlton to Spurs

5.£14m* Anderson Porto to Man Utd

6.£13.5m* F Malouda Lyon to Chelsea

7.£11.5m R Babel Ajax to Liverpool

8.£8.8m R Bianchi Reggina to Man City

Transfer and other rumours.

Sunderland have made a £6million bid for Manchester United Alan Smith. Middlesbrough and Everton are also in the race to sign the striker. West Ham is looking to sign Smith and Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Barcelona fancy-dan midfielder Deco apparently wants to play for Jose Mourinho again, reports the Sun.
The Brazilian-born Portuguese international is DESPERATE to work with the Special One again, but goes with the classic line of 'at the moment I'm a Barcelona player'

Juventus have confirmed their interest in Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze.

Bolton are ready to sell Abdoulaye Faye, wanted by old boss Sam Allardyce at Newcastle.

Robert Pires wants Nicolas Anelka to join him at Villarreal in Spain.

Seol Ki-Hyeon is ready to quit Reading to become the latest addition to Lawrie Sanchez's Fulham revolution.

Everton have accepted a £4m offer from Sheffield United for James Beattie.

PSG defender Boukary Dreme is attracting interest from Magpies boss Sam Allardyce.

Chelsea's gruelling pre-season programme has taken its toll, with another six players added to their growing injury list ahead of the Community Shield.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has played down reports of a major bust-up with striker Andy Cole.