Manchester City and Manchester United will be encouraged after reported target Ricky van Wolfswinkel's contract talks with Sporting Lisbon stalled.
Van Wolfswinkel only signed for Lisbon from FC Utrecht last summer, but had a terrific first season, banging in 20 goals. His prowess in front of goal helped Sporting reach the semi-finals of the Europa League with the Dutch striker netting a vital goal against Manchester City to send the English Premier League champions crashing out of the tournament.
His impressive season has prompted Sporting to include a bigger buyout clause in his contract; however Van Wolfswinkel's agent Louis Laros said the talks have not progressed. "We are waiting for Sporting," Laros told Portuguese newspaper Record. "There is still no progress in increasing the value of the buyout clause that the club wanted to include.
"I have heard rumors in the media about interest in the player from foreign clubs."
Another United target Shinji Kagawa has moved closer to moving to Manchester after United reportedly increased their bid. The Red Devils had a $20 million bid for the Japanese midfielder rejected by Dortmund.
According to German paper Kicker United will increase their offer worth $25 million -- initial $18 million fee with add ons that can rise to $25 million - and are close to agreeing a deal with Dortmund. Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy to seal Kagawa's signature after missing out on Eden Hazard, who decided to join Chelsea.
United are also reportedly interested in Crew youngster Nick Powell. Powell scored a spectacular goal to take Crewe to League One and it is widely expected the 18-year-old will move onto a bigger club. Arsenal are also interested in the teenager.
However, Crewe manager Steve Davis said they hadn't received any offer yet. "I think Nick can get to the Premier League and I know there have been a few bits about Manchester United in the papers, but we've not had any solid offer yet."
Mohamed Diame, who is out of contract with Wigan Athletic, told Sky Sports News he was close to signing for Liverpool before Kenny Dalglish was fired. "I met before with Kenny Dalglish and we talked about next season but god decided to finish this situation. It is true, I was very sad in my head as I was thinking to go there, but that is ok as I think there is an opportunity to go to another club."
Diame, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, said he prefers to stay in the Premier League despite receiving offer from Spain, France and Turkey.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are monitoring Sochaux playmaker Ryad Boudedbouz. The Algerian winger has had a good season with Sochaux and has attracted attention from all the big French clubs. "Certainly, my agent is in talks with some clubs, particularly in France, but there is still nothing concrete," Boudedbouz said.
"There is also Liverpool, who have initiated discussions with my agent, but at the risk of repeating myself, everything is in the discussion stage, no more."