TRANSFER NEWS:Zenit St Petersburg have confirmed talks are taking place with Arsenal regarding a deal for Andrei Arshavin, while Jermain Defoe was back in north London and unveiled by Tottenham before tonight's Carling Cup semi-final first-leg against Burnley.
Russian schemer Arshavin has been looking to leave the Uefa Cup holders in search of a move to a major European league.
He impressed at Euro 2008 and was linked with Tottenham as well as Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid after the tournament.
Speculation concerning a possible January move to Arsenal has increased in recent weeks but reports suggest Zenit are demanding £20million for the 27-year-old. The Gunners are hoping to get him for considerably less.
Nevertheless, Zenit told Sky Sports News they are confident of agreeing a deal to sell the playmaker to Arsenal this month.
Gunners boss Arsene Wengerhas been looking to reinforce his squad after losing captain Cesc Fabregas for several months due to a knee injury, but Torinopresident Urbano Cairo is adamant he will not do it at the Italian club's expense and has insisted his lpaymker Alessandro Rosinais going nowhere.
Torino have reacted quickly to reports that Italian playmaker Rosina could leave for the Emirates on loan. The Granata's top man has had a difficult start to the campaign but Cairo insists he is part of the club's plans, despite making just seven starts this season.
"Ale [Rosina] will not go on loan to Arsenal in order to rediscover his form, because he doesn't need that," he said. "He will remain with us and will give us a helping hand to reach our aims."
Defoewill enjoyed an emotional reunion with Spurs fans tonight after the final touches were put to his €16.5million transfer from Portsmouth this afternoon.
With his medical completed the player returned to his former club - where supporters had continued to chant his name following last January's controversial sale to Pompey.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie were in talks over the weekend to negotiate a deal, and the 26-year-old agreed terms on what is thought to be a five-year contract.
"Personal terms have been agreed and the striker will undergo a medical," read a statement from Spurs this morning.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp bought Defoe for Pompey in the 2008 January window and his return had been suggested since the change of manager at White Hart Lane two months ago.
Tottenham fans continued to sing his name while Defoe went on a run of eight goals in his first seven Pompey games. He has added nine goals in this campaign.
Redknapp has prioritised a striker and a left-sided midfielder in the current window, with Middlesbrough's Stewart Downingalso the subject of a bid from Spurs.
Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiahis on trial at Tottenham this week and could sign until the end of the season.
Aston Villahave denied tabling a bid for West Hamand England defender Matthew Upson.
It had been suggested that Villa had submitted an €11.5million offer for the 29-year-old, who has forced himself back into contention for a place in the England side following an impressive run of form for the Hammers.
A statement on Villa's website, however, denied that the club had been in touch with West Ham about signing the defender, who used to play for Villa's neighbours Birmingham.
Manager Martin O'Neillinsisted there was "not an ounce of truth" in suggestions that Villa had attempted to buy Upson.
Boltonare giving a trial to former Braziland Real Betismidfielder Denilson.
Manager Gary Megsonis keen to have a look at the 31-year-old who is now a free agent after being released by Palmeiras.
Denilson became the world's most expensive player when he moved to Betis from Sao Paulo in 1998 for €23million.
He spent seven seasons in Spain then travelled the globe with spells at clubs as diverse as Al Nasr and FC Dallas. He has collected 68 caps for his country and was part of the Brazil squad which won the 2002 World Cup.
Rangersare prepared to sell top scorer Kris Boydto Birmingham. The Clydesdale Bank Premier League giants have rejected a bid of around €3.1million for the 25-year-old from the Coca-Cola Championship club but will accept an improved offer.
Boyd is coveted by former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, who wants him to boost his current side's strike force at St Andrews.
Ibrox chairman David Murray told BBC Scotland: "Birmingham have made an enquiry. We talked about money but we haven't agreed a fee and no business will be done today.
"We rejected a bid of around £3million but if they improve it, we'll allow them to speak to Kris Boyd."
