Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Internazionale have submitted an improved offer for Germany international forward Lukas Podolski.
Podolski, who missed the Gunners’ 2-0 New Year’s Day defeat at Southampton due to injury, has been on the outskirts of Arsenal’s first-team all season long.
The 29-year-old striker has not started an English Premier League fixture in 2014/15, and Wenger has hinted the player may leave when the transfer window re-opens on Saturday.
“The first proposal was farcical; after they came back a bit more serious, then we will see what happens now,” Wenger said.
“Inevitable? Not in the transfer market, it’s very difficult to say, but we’ll see later.”
Poldi has bagged three goals, all in the UEFA Champions League, in 13 appearances in all competitions this term.
Shotton joins Derby County
Derby County F.C. have completed the signing of Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell in the East Midlands.
Shotton, 26, has penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Rams, who are currently sitting in third-place in the Football League Championship table.
“We’re pleased to welcome Ryan Shotton to the club on a permanent basis,” said Derby boss Steve McClaren.
“He has shown in his brief time with us that he is an important member of the squad, contributing with good performances and showing his versatility.”
Shotton has scored one goal in 12 league appearances for the Rams in 2014/15.
Bruce confirms interest in Defoe
Hull City manager Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest in bringing Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe to the KC Stadium during the January transfer window.
The Tigers have dug themselves out of the bottom three following wins over Sunderland and Everton during the festive period, but Bruce is still looking to bolster his striking options, which–at the moment–includes Abel Hernández and Nikica Jelavic.
“There’s always speculation, you ask any club in the bottom of the division, all of us would say yes,” Bruce said of Defoe.
“Whether we can do it financially is another problem.
“If he becomes available, which I believe he is, then we’d love to do something. I think it might be too expensive but it’s not a bad bit of speculation.”
Hernandez and Jelavic have combined to tally nine goals and two assists in 29 league appearances for Steve Bruce’s side.
Meanwhile, Hull winger Robert Snodgrass, who has missed all but one game this term after dislocating his kneecap on his club debut, is expected to return to the first-team in the near future.
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