Bordeaux doubting Chamakh return

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud does not believes Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh will return to the French club this summer.

Chamakh, 28, has endured a difficult two seasons at Emirates Stadium since his switch in July 2010 and following Arsenal’s recent pursuit of strike options, the Moroccan’s future only looks further in doubt.

“It is not worth making things up. I tried to contact him six months ago when the transfer window was open,” Triaud admitted yesterday. “Since I crossed paths with him at the Parc des Princes, he was able to tell me he was very happy in London, loved Arsenal and was fine where he was. We’re talking about things which do not exist.”

With Chamakh amongst Arsenal’s high earners, wages are currently the main stumbling block to Chamakh returning to any of the Ligue 1 sides to which he has been linked.

There were unconfirmed reports yesterday that Arsenal were ready to accept a €7m bid for Chamakh from Stoke City.

Meanwhile Atletico Madrid have reiterated their desire to hang on to the services of Radamel Falcao.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all reported to be readying big-money bids for the striker.

Atletico are reluctant to talk terms, though, and are confident that their failure to qualify for next season’s Uefa Champions League will not work against them.

“The club has very clear ideas on this,” sporting director Jose Luis Caminero said.

“Falcao will remain at Atletico Madrid and any talk of an exit is misplaced.

“The striker will remain with us next season and we are not considering any other possibility.”

Elsewhere, new Norwich boss Chris Hughton admits he has spoken with unsettled striker Grant Holt, but is keen to meet with him face-to-face and discuss his future.

Hughton has inherited the managerial reins at Carrow Road from Paul Lambert and is looking to build on the impressive foundations which have been put down by his predecessor.

In order to do that, he is aware that he must keep key figures at the club.

That includes Holt, Norwich’s talismanic skipper and their main source of goals throughout their transformation from a League One side to a Premier League surprise package.

He netted 15 times in the top flight last season, but stunned the Canaries by handing in a transfer request at the end of the campaign.

Convincing the 31-year-old that he is in the best place for his career has become a top priority for Hughton, and it’s vital that his most prolific marksman is not allowed to wander away from the club.

“I have spoken to Grant but not met him yet,” said the Canaries coach, who is currently at his holiday home in Florida.

“But when I get back I will meet with him and make it clear that I want him to stay.”

Meanwhile Huddersfield Town manager Simon Grayson has expressed his delight after signing former Ireland U21 winger Sean Scannell from Crystal Palace.

“We are delighted to welcome Sean to the club, he is a brilliant addition,” Grayson said.

“He is an exciting, young, talented footballer who is very adaptable. He can play on either wing or just off the striker, he offers great options.

“Despite his young age he brings bags of experience at both Championship and international level and hopefully he will be able to fulfil his potential with us.

“It wasn’t that long ago that a lot of top-class clubs were taking a look at him so we are delighted to now have him amongst our ranks.”