Having signed David Bentley from Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur have now reportedly agreed personal terms with Andrei Arshavin, and now need only to agree a fee with his club, Zenit St Petersburg.

According to Andrei Arshavin’s agent, Dennis Lachter a deal that would take the Russian playmaker to White Hart Lane is on the verge of being completed, but is being held up by Zenit St Petersburg, who are seeking the highest possible price for their star player.

Nevertheless, all parties are said to be hopeful that a transfer will be finalised by early next week at the latest, possibly before.

“I am very optimistic about this deal but it is not easy - as usual with Russian clubs,” Lachter told Sky Sports News.

“The next few days will see if he can confirm this move to Spurs.

“Andrei likes the way Juande Ramos is going to play at Tottenham and this is the main point of our decision - not only the money but the desire of the manager to have the player.”

Pressed by Sky on when the deal for Arshavin would be completed, Lachter replied: “I hope in the next five days, maximum.”

Ref From Mark Hinton, Goal.com

Reports in Ireland suggest that Newcastle’s Damien Duff could be set for a return to Blackburn Rovers, in exchange for England full-back Stephen Warnock.

Newcastle allegedly offered £2million outright for Warnock two weeks ago, but their bid was rejected outright. It is thought that the Magpies made an improved £3million bid last week, but Rovers were still not satisfied to release the England international.

However, The Irish Independent stated that the Ewood Park side could be interested in doing business with Newcastle should Duff be added to the deal.

Duff began is career in English football in 1996 with Blackburn Rovers, and spent seven seasons at the club before departing for Chelsea in 2003.

The Irish international left Stamford Bridge for Newcastle in 2006, but has seen his time on Tyneside hampered by injury and a dramatic loss of form.

Duff is one of the club’s highest earners and Newcastle’s owners are looking to trim the considerable St James’ Park wage bill.

Signing a left-back is a number one priority for Kevin Keegan this summer, with only Jose Enrique a specialist in that position. By contrast, the wings at Newcastle are reasonably well-stocked, and Duff could well be moving on.

Ref From goal.com

Sky Sports News reports that Blackburn Rovers have accepted a bid from Aston Villa for goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The 37-year-old has stated his intention to move away from Ewood Park this summer, with his new manager Paul Ince reluctant to see him go without securing a replacement.

However, after seeing the player courted heavily by Aston Villa for the past number of days, it seems as though Ince has relented, and a fee in the region of £2million has been agreed by the clubs.

Manchester City were also keen on signing the American, who announced his plans to quit Blackburn after four unbroken top flight seasons.

Ince could turn to Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson as a replacement for the Villa-bound Friedel.

Ref From Peter Staunton - goal.com