Soccer:Manchester City look set to complete the €32million signing of Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg after the striker passed his medical.
The Bosnian front man is now awaiting the granting of a work permit after agreeing personal terms. It does seem highly unlikely Dzeko will be involved in Sunday's FA Cup tie at Leicester given his limited preparation time.
It is more likely that he will be officially unveiled next week with his debut possibly coming in next Saturday's encounter with Wolves, when City could again go top as Manchester United are not in action until 24 hours later.
The 24-year-old has been tracked by many of Europe's biggest clubs over the past couple of seasons after proving to be a potent goalscorer at Wolfsburg, but City look set to seal his signature.
Aston Villahave confirmed the loan signingof Tottenham defender Kyle Walkeruntil the end of the season. The England Under-21 defender arrived at Villa's training ground at Bodymoor Heath before undergoing a medical and completing the formalities of his move.
He will be available to face his former club, Sheffield United, in Saturday's FA Cup clash at Bramall Lane.
Walker said: "I'm excited about being here and proving that I'm good enough to play in the Premier League. That's why Tottenham bought me from Sheffield United and that's what I'm keen to show here at Villa. This is a great opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to taking it.
"I know several of the players here from England Under-19s and England Under-21s - Nathan Delfouneso, Ciaran Clark and Marc Albrighton. I'm sure those lads will help me to settle in and enjoy my time at Villa. I'm really keen to contribute and compete and prove myself here."
Villa manager Gerard Houllier said: "We're pleased that Kyle will be with us until the end of the season. He is 20, an attacking full-back and a very promising young player. He will be a valuable addition to our defence."
Wolvesare in discussionswith Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwellover a move to Molineux. The former Chelsea player is set for a January transfer after falling out of favour at Villa Park. He had looked set for a switch to West Ham, but that move now appears to have fallen through.
A statement on the Wolves website read: "Wolves CEO Jez Moxey has confirmed the club are in talks with midfielder Steve Sidwell about a possible move from Aston Villa. Wolves had previously agreed a fee with Villa before Sidwell appeared to be poised to join West Ham."
Sidwell was at Molineux last night as Wolves beat Chelsea 1-0 to move out of the Premier League's bottom three, at the expense of his current club.
Boss Mick McCarthy revealed after the game he was keen bringing in the 28-year-old, saying he would sign him "in a heartbeat" if he was available.
And striker Kevin Doyle hopes the deal goes through. "Steve would be an excellent signing if it happens," he told the club website. "I played with him at Reading for a number of years when we had some great success and he's also played for top clubs like Chelsea and Villa.
"If he does sign I'm sure he'll be raring to go. I have spoken to him this morning and we'll just have to see what happens but it would be a big boost if it goes through."
