Gary Jacob gives his verdict on the latest transfer gossip

Cesc Fàbregas has raised concerns about his future at Arsenal by announcing that he would consider a return to Barcelona, whom he left six years ago.

The Arsenal midfield player, who has five years left on his deal, said that he felt a responsibility to the North London club after being named captain last season, but “it would be different” if Pep Guardiola, the Barcelona coach, called him.

“It’s very obvious that it [an offer from Barcelona] would be special but being captain gives me extra responsibility and ties me closer to the club,” the 22-year-old said.

Decent bets

Liverpool have again claimed that Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with Real Madrid, and Javier Mascherano, wanted by Barcelona, are not for sale. The club’s statement, unusually, went a stage farther by announcing that they were not interested in Álvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno, the young Real strikers, as makeweights in a deal.

“Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players,” the club said. “Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal.”

West Ham United hope to agree the loan signing of Luis Jiménez this week after being given a green light to obtain a work permit, even though the Chile striker has not played the required 75 per cent of international matches in the past two years.

Marseilles are in talks to sign André Bikey, who has a year left on his contract, from Reading. Hull City and Sunderland tried to sign the defender, 24, last summer, when he was valued at about £3 million.

Dead certs

Blerim Dzemaili should complete a permanent move from Bolton Wanderers to Torino after a loan spell at the Italian club. The Switzerland defender has made only one substitute’s appearance for Bolton since he joined from FC Zurich two years ago.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are close to agreeing a deal to sign Nenad Milijas from Red Star Belgrade for £3 million. The 26-year-old Serbia captain and midfield player has been offered a four-year deal.