Latest Football Transfer News 02-08-2012

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O'Neill staying patient

Sunderland manager not worried about slow progress
Last Updated: August 2, 2012 4:38pm


Martin O'Neill: Keen to strengthen his squad and has made a number of offers


Martin O'Neill has insisted he is not too concerned about Sunderland's slow progress in the pursuit of new recruits, as he waits to hear back about a number of bids.
The Black Cats manager is looking to strengthen his squad this summer and would ideally like to get most of his business done by the time the new Premier League campaigns kicks off on 18th August.


O'Neill says hard work is being done behind the scenes to try and bring in reinforcements, with approaches made for several players.
However, he does not want to discuss individual targets and is prepared to bide his time as there is still a month to go until the window slams shut.
"I think you just have to have patience. You work on the assumption that things will happen for you," O'Neill told the Sunderland Echo.
"I'm not overly-concerned just at this moment.


"It's not right to publicise what we're doing at this minute. But we have made a number of bids for a number of players and we're still waiting to hear back.
"There's some movement afoot where we're waiting to hear back and then on others, we're waiting to see what our next step is, but at least we've got some things going on.
Settle

"Of course, I would like players to be here for the start of the season. But I'd rather get them in before the end of August than not at all.
"I remember when I was at Leicester after we got promotion and we brought in two players, Kasey Keller and Spencer Prior, two days before our first game at Roker Park. So you can settle in fine. Football is not that difficult."
A couple of Premier League clubs have been busy in the transfer market but there has been relatively little activity overall, and O'Neill expects that to change in the next few weeks.


"I am surprised that so little has been done," he added.
"But I genuinely think there will be movement. Whether we're all waiting for the big boys to move and we all see what's left, I don't know.
"I do think there'll be a bit of movement soon though because of one of two deadlines - either the start of the season on the 18th or 12 or 13 days further forward at the end of August."

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Agger absence sparks rumours

Agent bemused by snub, but says defender isn't looking for move
Last Updated: August 2, 2012 7:25pm


Daniel Agger: Left out of Liverpool's squd for their Europa League qualifier with Gomel


Daniel Agger's absence from Liverpool's squad to face Gomel has cast doubt over his future, with his agent revealing that the defender is not injured.
Initial reports suggested that the Danish centre-half was nursing a knock after being left out of Brendan Rodgers' plans for midweek Europa League qualifying duty.


It has, however, emerged that Agger was in contention and that it will be down to the Anfield outfit to explain his lack of involvement.
Manchester City and Barcelona are said to hold an interest in the 27-year-old, with both clubs in the market for defensive reinforcements.
Agger's agent is reluctant to be drawn on the transfer rumours, but is keen to know where his client stands.
"He is not injured in any way," Per Steffensen told Politiken.
"Only the club and the manager can answer to why he is not in the squad."
Nonsense

On the exit reports, and those claiming that Agger is actively looking for a route out of Anfield, Steffensen added: "Liverpool will have to answer to whether they have received any offers.
"But the reports of Agger handing in a transfer request are purely nonsense. He is very happy at Liverpool."
Agger's current deal with Liverpool is due to run until 2014 and Steffensen claims no extension discussions have been held.
He said: "We have not heard from Liverpool with regards to a contract extension."