Soccer:Manchester United may have to wait until the summer if they are going to sign Brazilian striker Hulk. The Old Trafford outfit are reportedly lining up a €22.2million raid for the Porto forward, who has made a number of eye-catching performances in the Champions League this season.
The 23-year-old is hoping to secure a place in the Brazil squad for this summer's World Cup in South Africa, and his agent Teodoro Fonseca is wary that a January move could disrupt his progress.
"Inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad is the most important thing," said his agent. "If he gets in, it could act as the gateway to England for him and that is what we want."
Hulk, who spent three years playing in Japan before moving to Porto, made his debut for Brazil in November last year when he came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win over England.
United manager Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be interested in a striker to relieve Wayne Rooney of the goal-scoring burden at Old Trafford.
Dossena bound for Napoli
Out-of-favour Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena appears to be on the verge of a €4.8 million transfer to Napoli after his agent claimed the deal had been held up by the bad weather in the north west which closed airports in the region.
The Italy international has failed to establish himself in the first team following his €7.7 million move from Udinese in the summer of 2008 and he has made just five appearances this season.
“I believe the player will arrive in Napoli tomorrow,” agent Roberto La Floria said. “At the moment there are logistical problems — that is to say he can’t leave Liverpool because of the snow.
“The player will arrive on a permanent basis with a contract for four and a half years.”
Dossena’s exit, and the anticipated departure of forward Andriy Voronin whose Liverpool career has been equally disappointing, is likely to pave the way for the arrival of midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, who is out of contract with Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Vieira features on Man City’s radar
Patrick Vieira looks increasingly likely to be heading out of the San Siro, and though a move to Lyon now looks unlikely, Manchester City have shown interest in signing the out of favour Inter Milan player.
Lyon are one of a handful of clubs linked with the midfielder who has made just 15 appearances in all competitions this season, with most of those coming from the bench. The France international is growing frustrated especially with the World Cup just around the corner.
Reports suggest the former Arsenal star is on the verge of sealing a return to the Premier League, especially with City now managed by his former boss at Inter, Roberto Mancini.
Inter boss Jose Mourinho said today there was "very little" chance of the 33-year-old staying with the club although he could be called upon at Chievo tomorrow as with Inter's midfield is hit by injuries and suspension.
Michel edges closer to Blues move
Birmingham are closing in on the signing of Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel in a €3.3million deal.
City expect to know in the next 24 hours whether the 24-year-old playmaker will become manager Alex McLeish's first signing during the January transfer window.
Sources close to the club are confident one or two remaining loose ends will be tied up to ensure Michel finally makes the move to St Andrews.
A medical has even been provisionally arranged for tomorrow by the midlands club.
McLeish has indicated he will look to bring in "two or three quality players" during the January window.
But he is unlikely to pursue his interest in Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi because of his wage demands.
McLeish expects another potential target, Rangers striker Kris Boyd, to stay with the Scottish Premier League club with his contract running out at the end of the campaign.
Wolves make move for Mansare
Wolves have made a bid to sign Toulouse winger Fode Mansare.
The Guinea international has been with the Pink City outfit for over four years after joining from Montpellier in 2005.
However, he has dropped down the pecking order under Alain Casanova this term - featuring in just four league games.
Now the 28-year-old is in talks with Wolves, after Toulouse agreed to let him leave on loan.
Mansare travelled to England to discuss terms with Mick McCarthy's men with a view to joining the Black Country club on a six-month deal - with a view to a permanent deal.
Mansare's agent Elhadj Nabe confirmed that talks were under way. "There a chance of a loan deal for six months with an option to buy," he told L'Equipe.
Mansare has 18 months left on his current deal.
Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has revealed that the club have made "one or two bids" for players as they aim to bring in new blood during the January transfer window.
As well as Mansare, Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner, Sheffield United central defender Matthew Kilgallon and Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson are on McCarthy's radar.
Okaka angles for Cottage move
Stefano Okaka's agent has confirmed his client would be willing to join Fulham on loan if they can agree a deal with Roma.
The Giallorossi are believed to be willing to loan out the 20-year-old marksman following the arrival of Luca Toni from Bayern Munich.
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson recently revealed his desire to sign Okaka on loan, comments that have sat well with his representatives who claim a Craven Cottage move is his preferred option.
"We await Daniele Prade's return to Italy," said Domenico Scopelliti, Okaka's agent.
"If Roma talk with Fulham and there are no problems and an agreement is reached we'll then speak with Fulham.
"The deal will be a possible loan for six or 18 months. Fulham is a great opportunity and Okaka would prefer this over Serie A options.