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

But they will have to raise their initial offer of £12.5million plus two players, thought to include former Charlton midfielder Danny Murphy.

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Charlton boss Alan Pardew is said to be "uncertain" about Murphy's qualities in the Championship so Spurs need to find more cash.

It is believed Bent would join for less than the £75,000-a-week offered by West Ham, who yesterday complained after their attempt at signing the striker collapsed.

"There is a certain amount of frustration and even a bad taste," said a club spokesman.

"Something seems to have happened to make the player have a change of heart. One avenue is closed, but there are other options."

The club could return to Everton's Andrew Johnson but the Merseysiders have so far rejected their overtures.

Hughes snapped up by Fulham

Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez will land defender Aaron Hughes from Aston Villa for £1million.

Hughes, 27, will not be the last of the international old boys recruited by former Northern Ireland manager Sanchez.

Striker David Healy will complete a £1m move from Leeds when the Elland Road club come out of administration.

Blades lose Kazim-Richards

Colin Kazim-Richards yesterday swapped Championship football with Sheffield United for the Champions League at Fenerbahce.

Kazim-Richards, 20, born in London to a Turkish Cypriot mother, was signed for £1.25m two weeks after making his full Turkey debut against Brazil.

He moved to Bramall Lane from Brighton last year for £150,000.

Ashley the new man in Toon

Mike Ashley has taken control of Newcastle United after he increased his stake to 77.06 per cent.

Billionaire Ashley completed his buy-out of chairman Freddy Shepherd's 28.01 per cent shareholding yesterday and will now press ahead with plans to de-list the club from the Stock Exchange.

Walsall eye Ricketts

Walsall are weighing up a bid to sign former England striker Michael Ricketts.

Ricketts, 28, who began his career with Walsall, is looking for a new club after being released by Preston at the end of the season.

Walsall boss Richard Money needs to strengthen his attack after releasing Par Cederqvist, Hector Sam and Trevor Benjamin despite winning League Two last season.

Stockport angry over player grab

Stockport are furious over losing a 14-yearold goalkeeper to Liverpool — despite being in line to pick up a six-figure fee from the Premiership club for two more of their talented teenagers.

Ryan Crowther and Greg Tansey, both 18-year-old midfielders, went on trial with Liverpool and their success in a youth tournament in Milan last month has opened the way to a permanent deal with the League Two side.

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Pompey eye Kanoute

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is considering a move for Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute. Redknapp made a spying visit to Real Mallorca last week as title-chasing Sevilla were held to a draw.

Redknapp is believed to have gone with the intention to watch Brazilian Luis Fabiano but came away more impressed with his former West Ham and Spurs striker Kanoute.

The 30-year-old's impressive performances in Spain — he has scored 25 goals — have pushed up his price tag to around £8million.