SOCCER DIGEST:TOTTENHAM are understood to have submitted a cash-plus-players offer to Blackburn for defender Chris Samba.
The Rovers centre-half is hot property this summer, with a number of sides reported to be keeping a close eye on his situation.
Arsenal were believed to be heading the queue at one stage, but they are believed to have turned their attention to Evertons Phil Jagielka. Samba, though, continues to attract plenty of interest, having hinted that he would be prepared to move on. He only penned a new long-term contract with Blackburn in February, but has often aired his desire to turn out for a club challenging for Champions League qualification. Spurs could offer him that opportunity and Harry Redknapp is reportedly keen to add Samba to his ranks.
Inter Milan say Sneijder staying
INTER MILAN remain adamant that Wesley Sneijder will not be sold to Manchester United.
The Holland international is currently in Beijing with his club ahead of this weekend’s Italian Super Cup against city rivals AC Milan.
It has been reported that the match could be Sneijder’s last for Inter after United made a formal offer for the playmaker, who is wanted as a replacement for the now-retired Paul Scholes.
But Inter's chief executive officer, Ernesto Paolilli, told the club’s official website: “Sneijder is here and he’s an important part of our team. Not so much of what is read in the papers is the truth. As for Sneijder, there is a complete intention that he will stay with us.”
Eriksson loses interest in Hargreaves
LEICESTER manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has ended his pursuit of Owen Hargreaves. The injury-plagued 30-year-old was released by Manchester United at the end of last season and Eriksson was keen to sign him. After being unable to contact Hargreaves, Eriksson said: “It will not happen now. If it was going to happen it would have already been done, but now it is too late. I can’t reach him. I have only spoken to his agent and he has not come back to me, which is a little bit strange.”
QPR looking to sign Cole on loan
NEIL Warnock, the QPR manager, has offered Joe Cole the chance to revive his Premier League career on a season’s loan from Liverpool.
The former Chelsea midfielder has endured a difficult time at Anfield, where he made only nine league starts last season and barely featured after Kenny Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson as manager in January, and Liverpool are keen to get his €103,224-a-week contract off their wage bill.
West Ham United are also interested in their former player, who is believed to have put his Merseyside home up for sale, but the prospect of remaining in the top flight may sway Cole towards QPR, providing they meet Liverpool’s financial requirements.
Barton goes from Orwell to George Washington
JOEY BARTON yesterday evoked the spirit of the first president of the United States as he continued his Twitter campaign against the Newcastle hierarchy.
Barton went from quoting George Orwell to George Washington as he hinted he was prepared to remain at St James’ Park, despite not being wanted by the club. “Quote of the day: If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. George Washington,” the midfielder tweeted in another thinly-veiled attack.
Barton also offered a song of the day, ‘What Will You Do (When the Money Goes)?’ by indie rock band Milburn. The 28-year-old has been told he can leave on a free transfer after the breakdown in talks over a new deal, but suggested he might see out the final year of his contract.
Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique, meanwhile, is thought to be closer to a transfer to Liverpool, though Newcastle are yet to receive a bid from the Anfield club.
Bruce looks to trim Sunderland squad
AFTER SIGNING nine players this summer Steve Bruce has begun the process of re-balancing his squad and reducing the wage bill. Steed Malbranque is close to signing for St Etienne with Marcos Angeleri going to Estudiantes.
Malbranque is likely to command only a nominal fee but the midfielder ranks among Sunderland’s highest earners and his exit may help Bruce’s search for a left-winger.
It is thought George McCartney will join Birmingham or his former club, West Ham.
Arsenal deny photograph plan
ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas has not been specifically instructed to attend today’s Members’ Day and the club will not be taking team photographs both with and without the wantaway midfielder. Reports suggesting that Arsenal are considering taking a team photograph with and without Cesc Fabregas were denied.
It was suggested that one photograph would see the Spaniard in the centre of the front row, while another would have Holland international Robin van Persie in the captain’s role.
The 24-year-old has been the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a move back to former club Barcelona throughout the summer. Reports emanated yesterday that the club have been forced to instruct him to attend today’s annual Members’ Day.
