Transfer wrap: Mata deal setback, Gera re-joins Baggies

Valencia midfielder Juan Mata’s chances of moving to Arsenal have hit a snag, after reports his 18 million-pound buyout clause expired.

Spain international Mata, 23, had been linked with a move to the English Premier League outfit, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said to be keen on signing him as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas if he departs to Barcelona.

A release clause was in place stating that La Liga outfit Valencia must accept offers of 18 million pounds before Monday, which saw Arsenal’s North London rivals, Tottenham, table a last-minute bid on Saturday.

Mata was not keen on a switch to Tottenham due to club not featuring in the Champions League, but was said to be interested in moving to the Gunners.

The clause has now reportedly gone up to a whopping 52 million pounds, although Arsenal are still hopeful they can land their man.

Fellow English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion have signed Zoltan Gera from Fulham on a free transfer, returning the 32-year-old Hungarian to his former club.

Gera made 136 Premier League appearance and scored 21 goals for West Brom from 2004 to 2008 before joining Fulham when his contract expired.

He signed a three-year deal with Fulham and starred under then-manager Roy Hodgson, who is now in charge at The Hawthorns.

In the Championship, Preston winger Keith Treacy join Burnley for an undisclosed fee while former Manchester United and West Ham utility Jonathan Spector has signed for Birmingham on a free transfer.

And Serie A club Roma have confirmed the signing of Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, with the 28-year-old Netherlands number one reportedly joining for a fee of 6.3 million euros.