Decent bets

Middlesbrough are bracing themselves for an approach from Liverpool for Stewart Downing. While Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager, wants to retain the England winger, it would be difficult for the 23-year-old to resist the lure of the Champions League. Southgate will also buy one more midfield player in addition to the expected arrivals of Didier Digard, from Paris Saint-Germain, and James Harper, from Reading.

Liverpool have told Portsmouth that they need to change the fee structure for Peter Crouch if they are to agree a deal for the England forward. Liverpool turned down a verbal offer of an initial £7 milllion plus £2 million depending on appearances because they want the terms of the additional payments to be revised.

West Ham United have asked about taking Edison Cavani, the Palermo striker, on loan. The 21-year-old Uruguay player scored five goals in 33 league matches last season.

Josip Simunic, the Hertha Berlin and Croatia defender, wants to sign for Fulham when he returns from holiday in two weeks. “I’m sure we can work something out,” Simunic said.

Kasey Keller, the Fulham goalkeeper, has been offered a one-year deal to remain at Craven Cottage.

Dead certs

Liverpool will complete the signing of Andrea Dossena, the Udinese full back, for about £7 million next week. The Merseyside club have signed two 17-year-old forwards: Vincent Weijl from AZ Alkmaar and Nikola Saric from Herfolge, in Denmark.

Newcastle United have secured the services of Aaron Spear, 15, from Plymouth Argyle. While the clubs have yet to finalise a fee, the striker has agreed to move to St James’ Park.

Long shots

Arsenal are interested in Miguel Veloso, the Sporting Lisbon midfield player. Paulo Barbosa, the Portugal player’s agent, said that he had been contacted by a member of Arsenal’s technical staff. Manchester City have made an offer for Diego Milito, according to the Real Zaragoza striker’s agent.