A roundup of today's other soccer news in brief

Mowbray concentrates on transfers

CELTIC WILL show their faith in Tony Mowbray by allowing the manager to sign a central defender and a striker before the transfer window closes on Monday. Mowbray is six months into his time at Parkhead and after Wednesday’s 2-1 home defeat by Hibernian his team are 10 points behind the Scottish Premier League leaders, Rangers.

The fact that over €2 million was spent in compensation to take Mowbray from West Bromwich Albion in the summer will ensure his position is safe for now, as will a lack of obvious replacements.

Mowbray is concentrating on transfer business. Preston North End’s Sean St Ledger is thought to be his main defensive target, with Celtic set to increase an initial offer of €2.8 million for the Republic of Ireland player.

Birmingham refuse to pay €15m for Pavlyuchenko

BIRMINGHAM City have refused to meet Tottenham Hotspur’s €15 million asking price for Roman Pavlyuchenko and will turn their attention elsewhere if the London club refuse to negotiate.

Tottenham have demanded €11.5 million with the rest in add-ons, with the total cost of the package rising to €26.5 million when the Russian striker’s wages over a three-and-a-half year contract are taken into account.

Harry Redknapp, meanwhile, has confirmed Eidur Gudjohnsen has joined Tottenham on loan until the end of the season.

The move may have implications for the future of Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane, as there are now five strikers at the club.

Although West Ham were also in the hunt Spurs were strong favourites to land the Iceland international’s signature.

West Ham who are on the look out for an experienced forward may now turn their thoughts to Keane, whose position looks increasingly vulnerable at White Hart Lane.

Santos agree deal for Robinho

MANCHESTER CITY forward Robinho is to rejoin Santos on a six-month loan after the two clubs reached agreement yesterday on the deal. City confirmed the Brazilian club will pay all of the player’s wages and bonuses for the period, which begins immediately and ends on August 4th.

Manager Roberto Mancini said: “Robinho is someone who needs to be playing regularly and we wish him well for the period of his loan.” The 26-year-old will leave for Brazil on Sunday.

The Brazil forward initially impressed at City and ended his first season as the club’s top scorer with 15 goals. But his form tailed off and he was often criticised for his performances away from Eastlands.

This season he has struggled to hold down a first-team place, first under Mark Hughes and latterly under new boss Mancini. Robinho has made no secret in recent days of his desire to return to his old club as he seeks to consolidate his place in the Brazil side ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

Mutu fails drugs test 

FIORENTINA STRIKER Adrian Mutu has tested positive for a banned substance, the Italian Olympic Committee have announced.

A statement from CONI revealed traces of the substance sibutramine were found in a sample provided by the 31-year-old Romania international following the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Bari on January 10th. Mutu also tested positive for cocaine in 2004 when playing for Chelsea.

Brown keen for Hunt to stay at Hull

HULL MANAGER Phil Brown has discussed a new contract with Stephen Hunt in an attempt to stave off persistent interest from Wolves.

The Republic of Ireland winger, who joined on a four-year deal last summer, has been the subject of three bids from Molineux this month. Despite their well-documented financial difficulties, Hull have rejected each offer – the latest of €4.5 million according to Brown – but their resolve could be tested again before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Brown has spoken to the 29-year-old about the situation and the subject of new terms was raised.

Brown said: “People are saying the bids will test us but I am hoping Stephen Hunt will test Wolves the right way on Saturday, playing for Hull City.

“Hopefully that will continue from now until the end of the season. I spoke to Stephen this morning and began preliminary talks with regards to a new contract.”

Vermaelen scan shows no break

ARSENAL’S worst fears over Thomas Vermaelen have been allayed after it was revealed he has not broken his leg. Arsene Wenger voiced his concern on Wednesday night that Vermaelen had broken a bone during the goalless draw with Aston Villa, but a scan yesterday afternoon failed to uncover any fracture.

However, the injury still threatens the Belgium defender’s participation in Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United. Eduardo will definitely be sidelined against the champions after suffering a hamstring injury at Villa Park but should be available for Chelsea seven days later.

“There is no fracture in Thomas’ leg but his injury still has to be assessed,” Wenger told Arsenal said. “There is still a good chance he will not play on Sunday. Eduardo has a small, small, small hamstring problem.”