Latest transfer rumours - May 23

Expressandstar.com bring you the latest transfer gossip on Wolves, West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Walsall.

After the excitement of Survival Sunday, it is time for the main event of the football season for those who enjoy rumours and daft claims - the fantastic rollercoaster ride that is the summer transfer window.

We have scoured the back pages and the internet to bring you the latest links and rumours. We are not saying they are true – just that they are out there.

WOLVES

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp apparently expects Jamie O'Hara to join Wolves permanently after helping them to Premier League safety on Sunday.

Meanwhile, highly-rated Birmingham defender Roger Johnson could be lined up as Mick McCarthy's first summer signing as the Wolves manager is given the go-ahead to buy four players.

ALBION

West Bromwich Albion are confident Brad Friedel will choose to sign for them today, ahead of Liverpool and Spurs, according to the Daily Mail. The club also hope to pick up Birmingham's Stuart Parnaby.

Roy Hodgson has revealed Albion are closing in on the signing of Northern Ireland centre-half Gareth McAuley, who is available on a free from Ipswich Town.

VILLA

Arsenal Nicklas Bendtner, the striker considered the best in the world by, well, Nicklas Bendtner, will not be moving to Villa Park according to his father, Thomas. Bendtner Sr said a host of German and English clubs were interested but added: "Talk about Aston Villa is rubbish. He has not met anyone from there."

Villa are hoping to tempt Ashley Young to stay by targeting ambitious signings – despite the much sought-after attacker seemingly saying a fond farewell to Villa Park yesterday.

Gary McAllister expects Gerard Houllier to return as Aston Villa boss, while he denied that Young has bid the club farewell.

West Bromwich Albion are confident Brad Friedel will choose to sign for them today, ahead of Liverpool and Spurs.

BIRMINGHAM

Fresh from seeing Blues join West Ham in the Championship, the Hammers have apparently added Birmingham boss Alex McLeish to their wanted list as the search for a new manger gathers pace at Upton Park.

Blues fans' pain at seeing Wolves stay up at their side's expense could get worse - defender Roger Johnson could be lined up as Mick McCarthy's first summer signing as the Wolves manager is given the go-ahead to buy four players.

Stuart Parnaby could move to Albion.

WALSALL

Goalkeeper Joe Murphy who joined Walsall on-loan from West Brom and Sunderland during the 2004/5 and 2005/6 seasons has left Scunthorpe United after their relegation to League One.

Former Walsall player Chris Palmer has been given a week to accept a new contract by Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler.

X-FACTOR

Away from the football, former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowlands is being brought in to the hit ITV1 show as bosses look to freshen up the squad. Dannii Minogue was released from the line-up last week after three years.