Latest Transfer Update at 23-11-11

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Nicolas Gaitan: Claims to be happy in Portugal
GAITAN PLAYS DOWN MAN UTD LINKS

Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan claims reports linking him with a move to Manchester United are based purely on speculation.
It has been suggested the Argentina international is a January transfer target for Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
United have seen the 23-year-old at close quarters this season, with Benfica having proved to be a tough nut to crack in the Champions League.
Gaitan helped his Portuguese employers to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Tuesday, while the Red Devils were previously held 1-1 at Estadio da Luz.
"Manchester? I am very content for the moment at Benfica," Gaitan told Sport TV following the latest round of continental action.
"I am very happy to be here with a team that is fighting to win important titles.
"About my future, I will only say that I have signed a deal with Benfica and nobody has told me that things will change. For now I will be staying with Benfica."

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Mario Gotze: Linked with Arsenal move
ARSENAL WARNED OVER GOTZE

Arsenal have been told to forget about signing German wonderkid Mario Gotze by Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has reportedly placed the 19-year-old forward, who will play on English soil for the first time at the Emirates on Wednesday night, at the top of his transfer wishlist.
The Germany international impressed Wenger when the sides met in September and has another chance to shine in the return game.
But Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp insists he does not want to let his prized asset leave in the New Year transfer window.
Klopp said: "Nothing can happen in January. Arsenal is only about 10 per cent of what is written in Germany so it's not a problem. Apparently Bayern Munich are interested in him.
"Nobody buys a player from Borussia Dortmund just like that. Not even Arsenal."
Klopp insists Gotze has not been distracted by the speculation and is focused on the important Group F game.
The player himself said: "I've heard the rumours from the Premier League - but I never let that affect me. I'm only focused on Dortmund, now more than ever.
"This match comes at a good time for us. We need to win and that's our objective at Arsenal."

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Steve Kean: New contract at Blackburn
BLACKBURN CONFIRM KEAN DEAL

Struggling Blackburn have confirmed a "revision" to manger Steve Kean's existing contract - but stopped short of admitting the under-fire boss has been handed a pay rise.
Speculation had been mounting that the club's Indian owners, the Venky's poultry empire, were set to reward Kean with an improved deal despite their side's dismal start to the season.
And on Wednesday night the club issued a brief statement which read: "Following recent media speculation Blackburn Rovers FC can confirm a revision to manager Steve Kean's existing contract has now been completed.
"An agreement made in the summer has now been formalised.
"Contrary to some reports there is no change in the length of the contract. The club respects that all contracts are private and confidential and no further comment will be made."
Rovers salvaged a last minute draw at Wigan on Saturday but remain second from bottom of the Barclays Premier League table with just one win and seven points from their 12 games to date.
Kean has come under pressure from some sections of the Rovers support, with small demonstrations held before and after games, and even a private plane chartered to fly above Ewood Park pulling a banner reading 'Kean Out'.
Venky's chiefs tied up Kean's new deal after jetting in for the Wigan game - but they left at half-time having reportedly been left feeling uncomfortable by barracking directed their way en route to the stadium.
However, although they have stopped short of handing Kean a contract extension, Venky's have handed their under-pressure boss the ultimate vote of confidence ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke.

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Mikael Lustig: Signs on a three-and-a-half-year deal
CELTIC LAND LUSTIG

Celtic have announced the signing of Mikael Lustig on a pre-contract agreement and the Sweden defender will move to Parkhead in January on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
The 24-year-old will join the Bhoys on January 1 from Rosenborg, where his current deal is set to expire, and could make his debut in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Dunfermline the following day.
Lustig said on www.celticfc.net: "This is a really exciting time for me and I am delighted to be committing my future to Celtic.
"I know a lot about Celtic, about the size of the club, the world-famous supporters and about the quality squad of players which is already there.
"I'm really looking forward to joining this squad, to the challenges ahead and hopefully playing my part in bringing some success to the club."
Celtic manager Neil Lennon this week admitted his interest in signing Lustig and the versatile defender's arrival could help cover a number of defensive positions, including right-back and centre-back.
Lennon said: "We are delighted to bring Mikael to Celtic. We believe he has the qualities to make a real impact at the club and we look forward to him joining us in January.
"He is a player with international pedigree and a defender with great versatility.
"He is someone who I feel will be a very positive addition to the squad.
"I like his attributes and he can play both positions, but he's predominantly a right-back."
Lustig's arrival strengthens the Swedish connection at Celtic, whose record goal-scorer is Henrik Larsson.
Johan Mjallby was a successful defender for the club and is now Lennon's assistant, Daniel Majstorovic is a key figure in the defence and Freddie Ljungberg had a short spell at Parkhead last season.
Lustig will rival Adam Matthews, Cha Du-ri and Mark Wilson for the right-back berth.

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Pat Fenlon: In talks with Hibs
FENLON IN HIBS TALKS

Hibernian appear set to appoint Pat Fenlon as manager after the Bohemians boss was given permission to speak to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League club.
Fenlon has long been the bookmakers' favourite to be installed as successor to Colin Calderwood, who was sacked as Hibs boss on November 6 following 12 wins in 49 matches and 12 months in charge.
A statement on the Dublin club's website, bohemians.ie, read: "Bohemian FC confirms that Hibernian FC this afternoon (Wednesday, November 23) sought and was given permission to speak to Pat Fenlon about the managerial vacancy at Hibernian."
Billy Brown is currently in caretaker charge of Hibs and led them to a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock last Saturday.
Hibs are not commenting about the vacancy until it is filled. Fenlon spent his entire playing career in Ireland and has managed Shelbourne, Derry City and Bohemians, whom he joined in December 2007.
The 42-year-old has won the League of Ireland twice and the Football Association of Ireland Cup twice.
He was linked with Dundee United before the appointment of Peter Houston as boss, but now cash-strapped Bohemians appear to have allowed Fenlon to discuss a move to Edinburgh.
Hibs play St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in the SPL on Saturday and former Hearts assistant Brown yesterday admitted he may not be in charge for the fixture.
"I know there may possibly be someone here in charge by the end of the week, so I'm well aware of that," Brown told Hibernian TV yesterday.
Hibs last week revealed a shortlist had been drawn up following 90 applications for the job as manager.
Brown has already been interviewed for the role and is keen to step up to the top job following 23 years as assistant to Jim Jefferies, including two spells at Hearts and one at Kilmarnock.
The performance against Killie did little to boost his cause, with the team booed off their own Easter Road pitch at half-time before a slight second-half recovery.
Former Hibs player Michael O'Neill has also been linked with the vacancy, but he has been busy preparing his Shamrock Rovers side for tonight's friendly in Malmo, Sweden.
Rovers' involvement in the Europa League, which continues at Rubin Kazan next week, suggests O'Neill will not be available until their involvement in that competition is complete.
Meanwhile, striker Leigh Griffiths hopes his loan deal from Wolves can be extended after scoring his first goal at Easter Road against Killie.
The 21-year-old is currently set to return to Wolves in January and the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth-round fixture at Cowdenbeath on January 7 or 8 could be his final game in green and white.
Griffiths told Hibernian TV: "I've not heard anything about it yet. I've just got to wait to find out if the new manager wants to keep me.
"If not then Cowdenbeath could be my last game. But we just need to play it by ear and see how things go when the manager comes in.
"If I manage to impress him enough to keep me then I'd be delighted to stay.
"It has been great being able to spend time with my family and long may it continue."