Transfer rumour round-up - January 5th

A couple more younger Coca-Cola league players have been linked with us today, firstly Will Hoskins of Rotherham United who has a good strike record this season and Greg Halford of Colchester - who has been linked previously with us and is reported to be interested several other Premiership sides.

The Guardian reports today that we are 'braced' for a bid of £20 million for Micah Richards. Of all the papers, they seem to be the one pushing the Richards move story most of all and say 'Richards does not intend to force the issue but it has become apparent that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge and his transfer now seems to be only a question of timing and finance' indicating we may be trying to hold off a move until the summer. Incidentally, Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in defenders Robert Ayala or Phillipe Mexes.

Clubcall reports that ourselves and Blackburn are set to fight it out for David Dunn, and a bid of between £1-£2 million could land the Birmingham midfielder, whilst The Mirror suggests Bruce could want Paul Dickov as part of any deal.

Ebi Smolarek has stated he would be interested in a move to the club, saying:

"Manchester City?, why not?
"It is definitely a good
squad which plays in the best league in the world".

One disappointment for me today was Fulham's signing of Vincenzo Montella from Roma on a loan until the end of the season. Montella is a class act who I think could have definitely added goals for us and I would have liked to have seen Pearce make a move for him.