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Six players linked with January arrivals

Last updated : 27 October 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Still not signing for us
First up is our old friend Jaap Stam who is apparently being hawked round English clubs by Lazio – despite their denial of this last week.

Apparently we will make an £8million bid, but will face stiff competition from Liverpool.

Next up is French international defender Philippe Christanval of Barcelona, who has again been linked with joining us, this time on-loan, after he reportedly told L’Equipe this.

"I am sure I will no longer play here (Barcelona) and I am seeking a solution.

"The most conceivable option for me is to leave in December.

"I would imagine it will be a loan move with an option to buy - seeing the financial state of the clubs."

Another old friend is AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini who will apparently be allowed to leave the San Siro for an English or Spanish club.

We will supposedly fight Fulham, Arsenal and Chelsea for the £8million signing.

Slightly less cosmopolitan is the news that Sir Bobby has had both Dean Ashton and Rob Hulse of Crewe Alexandra watched, with a view to bringing in the promising young strikers in the new-year.

And one guy I’ve never heard of, but has apparently had the nickname of ‘the American Wayne Rooney’ for the past week, 17-year-old Santino Quaranta of DC United. Not got a clue about this one.

A couple of exit rumours as well. Firstly Shay Given after he was dropped for the Juventus game, although this has already been denied by the club.

And finally Stephen Caldwell may be on his way to Sheffield Wednesday on-loan after they had bids for Michael Duberry and Emerson Thome turned down. But with the axe hanging over Terry Yorath it seems unlikely the Hillsborough board will sanction this at the moment.

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