Tottenham are reportedly pursuing Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen (News of the World) and about to start the mother of all transfer quarrels with local rivals Arsenal, who have been on the Norwegian's trail for some time now (various). Pedersen's consistent displays for the Lancashire outfit have led to a growing number of clubs seeking to part him from Mark Hughes's side. A fee of around £8-10m is rumoured to be what Rovers would deem appropriate - but they are doing their level best to keep the creative midfielder at Ewood Park.

So if you were Pedersen, who would you choose? Spurs could do with his creativity and he could be the answer to their widely-reported left-sided problems. But Arsenal can offer Champions League football this season and that is not normally the kind of incentive that can be ignored.

The Gunners have also made a bid £9m move for Newcastle's Nigerian striker Obefami Martins (News of the World). Firstly I would be surprised if Big Sam Allardyce accepted less than the fee it took to capture the somersaulting Inter player a year ago as his value would not have decreased given his solid start to Premier League life. Secondly, I cannot see Martins being a player who would blossom at the Emirates. That isn't to say the Nigerian isn't a quality player, and indeed Arsenal probably need one more striker. I just have a hunch that this deal will never come to fruition.

'Spurs could do with Pedersen's creativity and he could be the answer to their widely-reported left-sided problems. But Arsenal can offer Champions League football'


West Ham are set to sign Blackburn midfielder Tugay (Sunday Mirror). The veteran midfielder with a penchant for long-range sizzlers could become a cult hero at Upton Park for what would surely be the twilight of his career. The 37-year-old Turkish international could be a handy player for Alan Curbishley to have in his squad.

Liverpool have targeted Brazilian midfielder Carlos Eduardo from the Gremio club, dubbed 'the new Ronaldhino' (News of the World). The Anfield outfit are collecting some good young talent to bring through their youth system, with the likes of Lucas Leiva and Peter Gulacsi being prime examples. Eduardo, like many players from South America, could suffer greatly from comparisons being made with such heady figures. It seems every new kid on the block is the next Maradona or Ronaldhino, tags usually given my the young players’ agents looking to promote their rising stars. Funny how no one is ever dubbed the 'new Mirandinha’ or ‘the next Andreas Silenzi'.

It seems that Nicolas Anelka may be pricing himself out of a dream move to Manchester United, who are keen on the Bolton striker - but only on a short-term deal, due to the player’s excessive wage demands (various). Apparently Manchester City, Portsmouth and United have been told they can purchase Anelka for £9m thanks to an escape clause in his contract.

The former Arsenal frontman told L'Equipe: "A lot of clubs are interested but they give up as soon as they realise my salary is big. I am not prepared to make any sacrifices on a financial level. I know my level and my quality. I will not accept any old offer. Manchester United is just chit-chat. At no time has there been a real desire to sign me. I have the level needed for a big club but I cannot force them to take me."

So this saga could turn into a 'who blinks first' type of scenario. Will United cave in to the demands due to their fragile striking options at present? John O'Shea is barely a defender let alone a makeshift striker. Man City could hold the cards and should Anelka leave the Reebok I fancy Sven might persuade his chairman to give him the necessary cash to complete the deal.