Friday Paper Talk - Wigan Athletic

Vital Wigan takes a quick look at the stories making the headlines of the sports pages this Friday morning

The Mirror

Tottenham have joined Manchester City in the battle to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Chelsea are ready to pay £8m to sign Manchester City's talented 18-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge.

Olivier Kapo wants to quit Wigan only a month after arriving from Birmingham and Sunderland could offer the midfielder an escape route.

Liverpool will offer Aston Villa a cut-price deal for Gareth Barry after the midfielder cup-tied himself for the group stage of the Champions League by playing in the Uefa Cup.

West Brom have made a second bid to sign Charlton utility player Zheng Zhi with a £2m bid.

The Sun

Spurs would rather sell Berbatov to Barcelona for a cut-price fee after being angered by the way Manchester United have handled the deal.

Chelsea will lodge a new £23m bid for Robinho after the Brazilian forward pleaded to be released by Real Madrid.

Blackburn are ready to offer striker Robbie Fowler a short-term deal after including him in their team photograph.

Cardiff have rejected a £3m bid for midfielder Joe Ledley from an unnamed club - with Everton known to have shown a strong interest.

The Daily Mail

Everton are beating Newcastle in the race to sign Juventus midfield man Tiago after he was reportedly impressed by Goodison Park chairman Bill Kenwright.

Hull manager Phil Brown is on the verge of signing a new three-year deal that will treble his salary.

Daily Star

Manchester United hope to unveil striker Dimitar Berbatov before Sunday's Premier League opener against Newcastle after agreeing a deal in principle with Tottenham.

The Independent

Manchester City hope to win the race for Santa Cruz by increasing their bid to £15m and have also registered an interest in £10m-rated Real Zaragoza striker Diego Milito.

The Times

Chelsea remain hopeful they will sign AC Milan's Brazil superstar Kaka but will have to wait until next season to complete the deal.

Aston Villa are willing to pay £7m to sign Reading striker Kevin Doyle - but the Championship club is demanding £8m.

Daily Telegraph

Rangers are poised to sign Portsmouth midfield man Pedro Mendes in a £3m deal.

Daily Record

Celtic have won the race against Rangers for Cardiff defender Glenn Loovens and he will complete the deal in Glasgow on Saturday.

Wigan Evening Post

Steve Bruce is targeting nine months of consistency as Latics kick-off their fourth Premier League campaign at West Ham tomorrow.

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