Hleb's future at the Emirates has been the source of speculation, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in the Belarus winger. "For any player in the world it is always a great honour that a club like Real Madrid is interested in him," Uli Ferber said. "This confirms the good work that Hleb has been doing in these last few years that he is being recognised by one of the greatest clubs in the world. Nobody should have any doubts that the interest from Madrid is a privilege for the player."

Bednar set for Baggies move

The club are closing in on Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena, according to the Italian club's coach Pasquale Marino. The 26-year-old defender, who impressed this season in helping his side qualify for the UEFA Cup, has been linked with an £8million move to Anfield in the last few weeks and it appears negotiations are progressing. "I think that a deal with Liverpool for Dossena is on the way," Marino told Italian station Radio Kiss Kiss. "Everything is going smoothly. The requirements are in place and the player has given his consent because he wants to test himself at an important club after the season he has had. Our director general was in England partly because of that just two days ago."

Pardew secures deal for Hudson

Manager Alan Pardew has signed Mark Hudson on a free from Crystal Palace and extended midfielder Matt Holland's current deal. Hudson, 26, an integral part of Neil Warnock's Palace side that reached the Championship play-off semi-finals, has rejected a new contract with the Eagles and moved to The Valley on a three-year deal.

McCarthy signs Wales' Vokes

Manager Mick McCarthy has made his first summer signing, bringing the Bourne-mouth striker Sam Vokes to Molineux for an undisclosed fee. The 18-year-old, who was called into the Wales squad for the first time this week, scored 12 goals this season but could not prevent relegation to League Two. Vokes has signed a four-year deal.

Bocanegra leads Cottage exodus

Carlos Bocanegra is keen to stay in the Premier League after being released by Fulham. The United States international, 28, was one of eight players released yesterday by the London side. The defender had fallen down the pecking order under Roy Hodgson, who arrived in December. The Finland striker Jari Litmanen was another casualty, while also shown the door were Philippe Christanval, Simon Elliott, Ian Pearce, Michael Timlin, Ismael Ehui and Bjorn Runstrom.

*YESTERDAY'S COMPLETED MOVES

David Howland (Birmingham) to Port Vale Undisclosed

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth) to Wolves Undisclosed

Steve Fletcher (Chesterfield) to Crawley Free

Mark Hudson (Crystal Palace) to Charlton Free

Sam Rents (Brighton) to Crawley Free