We are getting nearer and nearer to the January transfer window and more and more rumours. Let's face it, that’s all they are - created by the hacks at the tabloids. First up in this bulletin we have the chase for Ajax striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar hotting up.

Klaas has long been chased by Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenaland now Liverpool and Manchester City have joined the race for the Dutch hotshot (various). Scouts have been sent to Holland to follow 24-year-old Huntelaar,  who has netted an impressive 74 goals in 92 starts for Ajax.

The Amsterdam side seems keen to cash in on their talent and £15m is the fee being bandied about. I make Chelsea big favourites, based on the fact Huntelaar will be guaranteed a first-team place and that fellow Dutchman Henk ten Caat is on board with Frank Rijkaard hinted to take over from Avram Grant in the summer.

'Makelele is a bit long in the tooth but he still seems able to do a good job even at the highest level'


Juande Ramos is keen on picking up youngsters from local rivals Arsenal, that’s if you believe The People. Apparently the new Spurs boss is keen on Abou Diaby, Denilson and Armand Traore. Now this has to be some journalist’s idea of a joke. The odds that any of these transfers will take place are astronomical.

First off, there is the obvious local hatred which would put off most players wanting to move directly between the two teams and secondly, why would any of these kids want to move from the Emirates? I would understand it better two or three years from now if they felt they were not getting a look in. But this is not going to happen now and probably never will.

Would Spurs fans want to see these kids at White Hart Lane? Or does any association with the Gunners trump and positive feelings towards this talented trio of superkids?

Chelsea’s veteran French midfielder Claude Makelele has admitted he's unsure of his future at the club beyond the end of this season (L'Equipe), and apparently this uncertainty has alerted West Ham boss Alan Curbishley.
Makalele, 34, has found himself short of first-team action under Grant and has found his appearances with the national side suffering as a result.

The former Real Madrid and Marseille battler said: "Will I go on after my contract in 2009? I don't know. It will depend on my desire and my physical condition. I will go on as long as I can. I will first take stock after Euro 2008."

How would Hammers fans feel about a move for a player who has won national titles in three countries? Sure, he is a bit long in the tooth but he still seems able to do a good job even at the highest level. I think he would be a good signing for the Upton Park side.