Addicks close in on Bougherra

Sheffield Wednesday defender Madjid Bougherra is expected to hold talks with Charlton this weekend after the Barclays Premiership strugglers had a bid accepted for the Algeria international.

The Owls had previously rejected a £1.3m (€1.97m) offer for the 24-year-old, while Birmingham were reportedly interested.

However, the Addicks made an “improved offer” for the centre-half yesterday which met Wednesday’s valuation and he is likely to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical in the next 48 hours.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson remains hopeful of capturing England midfielder Owen Hargreaves while emphatically reaffirming Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce signed Slovakia defender Lubomir Michalik on a three-and-half-year contract.