SUNDERLAND

THE main focus this week will be on trying to strike a deal that can be completed for Derby striker Chris Martin.

The front-man has Reading also competing for his signature but Sunderland are trying to convince him he can spearhead a successful end to the season by guiding them away from the relegation zone.

But Chris Coleman doesn’t just want a new forward or two, he has a list of targets in mind to fill the squad. One new name that has cropped up is Rangers’ young defender David Bates.

The 21-year-old has only played six times for the Gers but has caught the eye during a performance against Celtic and for the younger Rangers team. He is out of contract in the summer too.

Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell could be heading north of the border – or at least it seems he would like that option.

A lot has been written since it emerged he can leave for nothing – provided he is willing to go for nothing – about his options and Celtic are one of those. It is also claimed he has options from abroad.

NEWCASTLE

Rafael Benitez is understood to have made a move for Torino’s Brazilian full-back Bruno Peres.

The 27-year-old was targeted by Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain in previous years but has not been able to hold down his place in Italy this season. He has started just six times.

Newcastle have DeAndre Yedlin playing right-back and Peres is another attack minded full-back desperate to get this season up and running again.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Blackburn midfielder Bradley Dack is being monitored by Middlesbrough - despite Tony Pulis insisting he is in no rush to spend any money this month.

The 24-year-old only moved from Gillingham last summer for £750,000 and Tony Mowbray has helped him along at Ewood Park.

His performances in League One have caught the eye in the Championship, with Aston Villa and Leeds also credited with in interest. He is rated at £4m after scoring 11 times this season.

Adama Traore’s performances this month have also kept him in the spotlight. Pulis is keen to keep him but West Ham are just one of a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on him.

It would take a huge fee for Middlesbrough to even consider doing business at this stage.

OTHER CLUBS …

Manchester United face competition from several clubs in the battle to sign Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

Arsene Wenger has admitted the uncertainty surrounding Alexis Sanchez's future at Arsenal has affected his team's morale.

Daniel Sturridge has told Liverpool he wants to join Sevilla after Reds bosses turned down a loan approach.

Everton, Newcastle and Brighton are lining up a £7m move for Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan.

Chelsea could yet secure Peter Crouch's signature despite Stoke manager Paul Lambert insisting the striker is not for sale.