Soccer - transfer news round-up:Wolves chief executive Jez Moxley used his programme notes ahead of last night's draw with Liverpool to confirm the club remain committed to bringing Stephen Hunt to Molineux.
Explaining the club’s transfer dealings, or lack thereof, to supporters, Moxley insisted that there are significant funds available for manager Mick McCarthy to strengthen his squad and indicated Hunt remains a priority.
“The main obstacle for us has not been the lack of money available for players - far from it,” Moxley wrote. “As I have already stated in the media, we have made a number of multi-million pounds offers for players which have been knocked back.”
It is well documented that Hull have already rebuffed three Wolves offers for Hunt, but Moxely is prepared to make another attempt to sign the midfielder before the transfer window closes.
“We haven’t given up on making at least one more signing and will probably make a fourth and final bid for a player we’ve been pursuing throughout January,” he added in a clear reference to the Republic of Ireland international. “Let’s hope it’s enough to make the transfer happen.”
Blackburn sign Basturk
Blackburn have signed Turkey international Yildiray Basturk on loan from German club Stuttgart until the end of the season, while Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson has been rewarded with a new contract until 2015.
The 31-year-old midfielder has a wealth of experience with both club and country, having won 49 caps for his national team and featured in the side that finished third at the 2002 World Cup.
Basturk previously played for the likes of Bayer Leverkusen - with whom he reached the 2002 Champions League final, where they lost to Real Madrid - and Hertha Berlin before moving to Stuttgart in 2007.
Dawson rewarded with new deal
Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson has been rewarded with a new contract until 2015 following his form this season.
The 26-year-old has been a regular following injury to Jonathan Woodgate and the fact Ledley King is unable to play matches in quick succession.
Spurs have kept seven clean sheets in their last nine matches, with Dawson playing in all of those games, and his form has led to Harry Redknapp tipping his defender for a first England cap.
"I am obviously delighted that the club wants me to stay for another five-and-a half years," said Dawson.
"I was at Nottingham Forest from a young age and stayed for a long time but then Tottenham came along and I was keen to further my career and play in the Premier League.
"I have loved it here ever since I first signed and so it was an easy decision to extend my stay at the club, I never hesitated.
"This is a club that wants to be fighting to finish in the top four on a regular basis and challenging for silverware.
"That is what the football club is all about and everyone here shares those ambitions."
Paulo Henrique shuns City
Santos midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso has urged his club to leave him out of any deal for Manchester City striker Robinho, saying that the Barclays Premier League club is not big enough for him.
Paulo Henrique has progressed through the ranks at Santos and is ranked as one of the most exciting prospects in Brazilian football.
Club president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has revealed that the deal being thrashed out with City to bring Robinho back to Santos could allow the English team first refusal on talented youngsters Paulo Henrique and Neymar.
But the 20-year-old insists that is not what he wants.
“I don’t want to play for Manchester City,” Paulo Henrique said. “I would prefer to play for a big club in Europe, such as AC Milan, Real Madrid or Barcelona.”
United loan Tosic top Cologne
Manchester United have agreed to let winger Zoran Tosic join Bundesliga outfit FC Cologne on loan until the summer.
Tosic has failed to make any impression at Old Trafford since arriving 12 months go from Partizan Belgrade as part of a double-deal that included Adem Ljajic.
The Ljajic option was discarded last month and the player has since gone on to sign for Fiorentina.
And despite his €8million price-tag Tosic has never given any impression his slight frame could adjust to the demands of English football.
He made just two United appearances this term - both in the Carling Cup against Barnsley and Tottenham - but is likely to go to the World Cup with Serbia.
It does seem unlikely the 22-year-old will eventually challenge for a senior spot at Old Trafford, although Tosic refuses to give up hope that he can one day force his way into Alex Ferguson's plans.
"I don't believe I have had my final say at Manchester United," he said. "Hopefully my performances with Cologne will be my ticket back to Old Trafford."
Laws brings in Weaver
Burnley boss Brian Laws has signed former Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver until the end of the season.
Weaver has joined the Clarets after a spell with Scottish Premier League side Dundee United.
The 30-year-old, who has also played for Charlton, will be available to face Chelsea on Saturday, subject to international clearance.
Burnley also confirmed today that they have signed Stoke defender Leon Cort for €1.7 million.
Stoke say the deal could rise to €2.3 million for the 30-year-old, who has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal at Turf Moor.