The Screamer... It's the talk of football

Halford, 22, who only picked up the keys to his new house in Reading on Friday, insists he never wanted to leave the club but was encouraged to open talks with last season's Championship winners after meetings with Steve Coppell and director of football Nicky Hammond.

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Halford said: "The move was forced upon me. Sunderland came in for me and Reading decided to make a bit of profit. I met with Steve and Nicky and they said they were 'neutral' and they were going to go on my reaction.

"I wanted to stay at Reading and I was sure I would break into the first team but the manager has his favourites.

"I got the impression they weren't bothered whether I stayed or not and that told me everything, so I caught the next flight to Sunderland on Sunday."

Cotterill moves for Berisha

Steve Cotterill has snapped up Besart Berisha, the Albanian who scored against England B last month.

The Burnley boss is paying Hamburg £350,000 for the winger, who has agreed a three-year deal.

Cotterill, who flew to Germany for whirlwind talks with the frontman, is now seeking a work permit for the 22-year-old.

Wigan in for Koumas and Melchiot

Wigan have bid £4million for West Bromwich midfielder Jason Koumas and will sign defender Mario Melchiot on a one-year contract from Rennes today.

Former Chelsea full-back Melchiot, 31, agreed terms last night after flying in for talks.

Manager Chris Hutchings is also chasing Fulham's Michael Brown and Spurs' Danny Murphy.

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No old pals act over Karadeniz Bolton manager Sammy Lee is going head to head with Sam Allardyce in the race to sign Turkey winger Gokdeniz Karadeniz.

Lee is planning a £1million swoop for the Trabzonspor star, but he faces competition from Newcastle after Allardyce started making a move for the 27-year-old.

Preston see off big guns to snare Jones

Preston have beaten off competition from Manchester City and Everton to land Crewe defender Billy Jones.

The right-back, 20, has signed a four-year deal with the fee due to be set by a tribunal.

England Under 20 player Jones, who made 132 appearances for Crewe, was out of contract but the club are looking for around £500,000 for their academy product.

Chelsea to raid Leeds for prodigy

Leeds are bracing themselves for another raid from Chelsea for one of their young stars after England youth international Ben Gordon turned down their contract offer.

Michael Woods and Tom Taiwo left Elland Road for Stamford Bridge last year in controversial deals that netted Leeds £4million.

Now Chelsea are preparing a deal for left-back Gordon, 16, which could be worth £1.5m to Leeds, who are in administration.