TRANSFER SPECIAL

free agent Joleon Lescott yesterday after allowing Patrick van Aanholt to head to Crystal Palace in a £12million deal. Palace manager Sam Allardyce is keen to add former Sunderland midfielder Yann M’Vila to his squad in a potential £10m move from Rubin Kazan and has re-opened talks for Arsenal right back Carl Jenkinson. Allardyce has also invited 32-year-old defender Chris Samba to train with the club. Samba is a free agent and carrying an injury after leaving Panathinaikos but Allardyce is keen to give him a chance.

SOUTHAMPTON have offered £14m for Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini. The Italian club want £18m for the 25-year-old striker, who has been courted by Borussia Monchengladbach, but may be open to negotiation.

SWANSEA have made an enquiry for Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia. The 28-year-old (below) has been made available for around £5m and his agent Tullio Tinti has been holding talks in London over possible moves to the Premier League. West Ham and Tottenham were approached while Hull have also held discussions. Spurs are likely to stick with the squad they have despite Jan Vertonghen being out for six weeks and a hamstring injury for Toby Alderweireld. ÷ ICELAND international Birkir Bjarnason has agreed to join Aston Villa and is due in for a medical today. The midfielder, 28, is moving from Swiss side Basle. Villa are also chasing two players from Barnsley — James Bree, a defender, and midfielder Conor Hourihane.