THE SCREAMER

... IT’S THE TALK OF FOOTBALL

CRYSTAL PALACE have had a bid for £3million-rated defender Aaron Cresswell, 23, rejected by Ipswich. Palace are also considering Norway Under 21 midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim, who has been released by Manchester City. READING have taken Werder Bremen’s Nigeria striker Joseph Akpala on trial. The 26-year-old joined training yesterday and is due to stay for the rest of the week. Akpala was a target for West Ham and Celtic last year before moving to Germany from Club Brugge. MIDDLESBROUGH are considering an improved £2million bid for Leeds’ Ross McCormack. The Scotland striker, 27, scored in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. LIVERPOOL are keeping a close watch on FC Groningen’s teenage striker Richairo Zivkovic, 16. Groningen executive director Hans Nijland said: ‘All the top clubs in Holland want him but Liverpool are here too. They are watching him closely.’ Liverpool are awaiting news on their bid for Anzhi playmaker Willian. HULL have made a bid for France Under 21 forward PaulGeorges Ntep de Madiba. The 21-year-old is at cash-strapped Auxerre, Ligue 2, and Hull hope to strike a deal for around £1.5m. He can play up front or as an attacking midfielder. FULHAM have put a deal for Brazil midfielder Arouca on hold after signing Scott Parker. The 26-year-old from Santos was in talks over a £5m move. BRIGHTON’S bid to sign Paul Konchesky from Leicester has fallen through. QPR have shown an interest in the 32-year-old.