Football Transfer Rumours - Jul-02-2009

Birmingham want Arsenal left-back Armand Traore on a season-long loan.

Burnley are interested in Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy, according to the Scottish club.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is lining up a bid for Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, and is also close to completing the signing of Chile forward Humberto Suazo.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is exploring the possibility of signing Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing - even though the winger will be out until October with a foot injury

Aston Villa are ready to launch a bid of £3.5m plus midfielder Barry Bannan for Wigan defender Titus Bramble

New Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is keen to sort out a quick deal for Honduras midfielder Hendry Thomas as Sunderland are also interested

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey could be set for a £4m move to Everton after turning down the offer of a new contract at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea are refusing to give up in their chase of Bayern Munish winger Franck Ribery

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo

Former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira has been offered £100,000 a week by Birmingham as they try to sign the Frenchman from Inter Milan.

Forward Carlos Tevez will be unveiled as a Manchester City player on Monday next week, after agreeing terms of about £120,000 a week

Barcelona are preparing to make a £25m bid for Liverpool's Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano.

New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has delayed his arrival in London as he attempts to lure striker Alexandre Pato from his former club AC Milan.