NEWCASTLE

Liverpool have decided they don't want Loic Remy, although QPR boss Harry Redknapp simply isn't buying the stories emerging from Anfield about a failed medical. And as we know from his previous dealings, Redknapp will normally buy absolutely anything.

Still, that leaves Remy back on the market, and Newcastle are bound to be interested in a striker who pretty much single-handedly fired them into the top five in the first half of last season. Alright, Yohan Cabaye had a fair bit of an input too, but there's no doubting Remy's impact on Tyneside, and Alan Pardew would certainly love to have him back in black-and-white next season.

The Northern Echo: Remy: No action

Remy couldn't get away from Tyneside quickly enough at the end of last season, but if no Champions League sides come in for him in the next couple of weeks, he could find his options severely limited.

With an £8m buyout clause in his contract, he'd be a steal if Newcastle could persuade him to return to the North-East. Let's see just how persuasive Alan Pardew and Lee Charnley can be.

Transfer likelihood rating: 6/10

Another name that has dominated transfer discussions on Tyneside this summer is that of Clement Grenier, and the French media are reporting that the midfielder has not been training with Lyon in the last couple of days.

Newcastle have inquired about him on a number of occasions already this summer, and are understood to be in regular contact with Lyon officials.

The Northern Echo: NO DEAL: Clement Grenier

Remy Cabella has already moved to Tyneside this summer, but with Hatem Ben Arfa expected to leave before the transfer window closes, Grenier would be an extremely welcome addition.

Lyon value Grenier at around the £8m mark, but if he's agitating for a move, Newcastle might well feel they can drive that price downwards.

Transfer likelihood rating: 7/10

SUNDERLAND

Like The Northern Echo's Chief Football Writer Paul Fraser, Sunderland's players are sunning themselves on the Algarve this week. Unlike Mr Fraser, however, they probably weren't drinking seven pints of Superbock last night. Only joking, Fraser normally passes out after three.

Anyway, there's a good chance they might have a sudden arrival in the next few days, with Uruguay international Cristian Rodriguez close to finalising a move to the Stadium of Light.

Gus Poyet has been pursuing the Atletico Madrid midfielder for quite a while now, but South American media outlets were yesterday reporting that a deal had been finalised.

The Northern Echo: <h4>THE ONION</h4>STOCKY Uruguayan midfielder Cristian Rodriguez of Benfica is one of the most promising talents in this season's Champions League.<p>Fans have long been divided in opinion over the temperamental but talented buck-toothed 22-year-old forwa

Sources on this side of the Atlantic suggest it's not quite as cut and dried as that yet, but it would now be a major surprise if Rodriguez was not joining the Black Cats before the start of the season.

Transfer likelihood rating: 8/10

Meanwhile, Sunderland play the opening game of their Portuguese tour against Recreativo de Huelva tonight, and Liam Bridcutt is in line to make his return from injury.

Full-back Patrick van Aanholt should also make his first appearance in a Sunderland shirt after moving from Chelsea last week.

MIDDLESBROUGH

The Jelle Vossen saga continues apace, although with Patrick Bamford on his way from Chelsea on loan, the need for Boro to force through a move for the Belgian international has lessened somewhat.

Perhaps that's just as well, because Feyenoord have stepped up their own interest in Vossen considerably and are now regarded as the favourites to sign the striker.

The Northern Echo:

Having sold Graziano Pelle to Southampton, Feyenoord need a new centre-forward, and after failing to pull off a number of proposed deals, they have now switched their attention to Vossen.

Vossen was not involved in the Genk squad that played Mechelen last weekend, which could well be a strong indication that something is in the offing. And unless they come in with a much bigger offer, as things stand that 'something' will not involve Boro.

Transfer likelihood rating: 3/10