Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin is wanted by Arsenal

GUNNERS READY TO STRENGTHEN

Arsenal are ready to launch a summer midfield rebuilding programme with a £16million move for Malaga’s Santi Cazorla and a season-long loan deal for Real Madrid’s Nuri Sahin.

Cazorla has been on Arsene Wenger’s radar for a year and sees his versatility – he can play wide or in central midfield – as a major attraction.

The Gunners are keen to complete a deal for the Spain international when they return from their tour of the Far East early this week, and are also hopeful of persuading Sahin to swap Spain for the Emirates.

Real manager Jose Mourinho only signed the Turkey midfielder from Borussia Dortmund last summer, but reports indicate he has suggested that it would be better if he looked for a fresh opportunity.

Since his 10 million Euro transfer, Sahin has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu, and it appears clear that Mourinho wants the 23-year-old to find regular football elsewhere.

GB CLOSE TO QUALIFICATION

Great Britain beat UAE 3-1 at Wembley to ensure a draw against Uruguay in their final group game will take them through to the quarter-finals.

Skipper Ryan Giggs headed the opener and Tom Cleverley hit the post as GB led at the break.

Rashed Eisa equalised with a composed finish in front of an increasingly anxious Wembley crowd, but substitute Scott Sinclair struck a
minute after coming on and Daniel Sturridge’s deft chip sealed the win.

Great Britain’s women have already made the last eight with a 3-0 win over Cameroon on Saturday.

Casey Stoney struck early, Jill Scott got the second and Steph Houghton got the third and her second of the tournament.

HAMMERS LAND MALLORCA MAN

West Ham have agreed a deal for Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis.

The Spanish club yesterday confirmed that the 27-year-old will have a medical with West Ham ahead of a permanent move to Upton Park.

Ramis has been linked with a number of English clubs over the summer but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has won the race for his signature.

ON THE CONTINENT

Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko, 35, has quit football to begin a career in politics, he said in a statement.

Julio Cesar is reportedly prepared to terminate his contract with Inter so that he can join Roma on a free transfer.

AC Milan and Barcelona are interested in signing Lazio midfielder Hernanes.

OTHER NEWS

Wolverhampton referee Jack Taylor, who awarded the first penalty in a World Cup Final in 1974 when Germany came from behind to beat Holland 2-1, has died at the age of 82.

Former England international Owen Hargreaves, 31, is training with QPR.

The new Rangers started life outside the top flight of Scottish football with a 2-1 victory at Brechin City after extra-time.