Monday transfer clockwatch

9.14 David Nugent has played down talk linking him with a move away from Portsmouth, saying he wants to stay at Fratton Park. Ipswich, Hull and Stoke have all been linked.

9.10 Wigan boss Steve Bruce has warned Hull he is ready to pull the plug on their bid to sign Marlon King. Hull agreed a deal with Wigan for King last month, but the deal has dragged on without any successful conclusion.

9.05 According to reports emanating from Spain, Chelsea have had a bid for Simao rejected by Atletico Madrid. Luiz Felipe Scolari is a big admirer of the wide man from their time together with the Portuguese national side.

8.56 Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has calmed fears over the club's progress in the transfer market by insisting he could make new signings before next weekend's SPL opener against St Mirren.

8.28 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move for Gareth Barry even though he is an admirer of the Aston Villa ace. It seems more likely that Wenger will bid for Xabi Alonso, if Liverpool complete a deal for Barry.

7.59 For the best of today's written press check out Paper Talk.

7.30 According to the holy gospel of truth that is the Daily Star, Xabi Alonso is definitely on his way to Arsenal. Once this deal is done, Liverpool can complete the summer's most protracted transfer saga and land Gareth Barry.

7.23 Rumours emanating from the North East are hinting at a Sunderland swoop for Louis Saha. The Frenchman was reported to have been present at a Black Cats pre-season friendly at the weekend.

7.20 Reports in today's press are suggesting Ghana international Anthony Annan is on his way to Blackburn. The 'new Michael Essien' has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs but it would appear Paul Ince is at the head of the queue.

7.05 Real Madrid veteran Michel Salgado has hinted Wesley Sneijder's injury could prompt the Spanish champions to step up their pursuit of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo