THE SCREAMER
... IT’S THE TALK OF FOOTBALL
SWANSEA City have reportedly tabled a £3m bid for Anthony Pilkington, Norwich City’s Republic of Ireland winger. Pillkington, 25, who has just returned to fitness after hamstring problems, has yet to sign an extension at Norwich. His current deal runs until June after which there is an option to extend for a year. Pilkington, who played in the World Cup qualifiers last September, signed for Norwich from Huddersfield in the summer of 2011 for £2m.
McCormack wants out as West Ham bid £4m
ROSS McCORMACK is expected to ask to leave Leeds United after West Ham made a £4million offer for the Scotland forward. Premier League strugglers West Ham yesterday made an offer of £3m plus £1m based on appearances. Leeds are likely to reject the bid but the Championship club would be willing to accept a deal closer to £5m for the 27-year-old. McCormack has scored 18 goals in 23 games this season and was the subject of offers from Middlesbrough in August. West Ham held further talks with AC Milan midfielder Antonio Nocerino last night and Roma striker Marco Borriello is due to meet them today ahead of respective loan deals. Raoul Loe is also due in London for talks over a £2m move from Osasuna.
Poyet keen to complete a loan deal for Banega
SUNDERLAND have made a bid to take Valencia’s Ever Banega (right) on loan. The Spanish club are keen to streamline their squad and will listen to offers. Sunderland boss Gus Poyet already has two Argentines: keeper Oscar Ustari and defender Santiago Vergini and remains in the chase for Internacional striker Ignacio Scocco, along with Cardiff. Sunderland want to offload defenders Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite, with clubs in Italy keen on loan deals. A deal between Stoke and Sunderland for Lee Cattermole has fallen through. CARDIFF have completed the signing of Molde striker Jo Inge Berget and will finalise a deal for Wigan’s Ivan Ramis this weekend. WIGAN have signed