Wenger dismisses Defoe link

Arsene Wenger today ruled out a move for West Ham striker Jermaine Defoe.

Arsenal were reported to be preparing a £5 million bid for the England Under-21 international but Wenger said: "We have not made an inquiry, we have not made a bid and we have no plans to make a bid."

West Ham manager Alan Pardew has categorically ruled out the possibility of selling Defoe for a figure as low as £5m to any club.

Pardew sold David James to Manchester City this week for £1.7m but is determined not to let Defoe leave at a knock-down price.

Yet he admitted a higher offer from one of the Premiership's big guns would give him the funds he needs to rebuild his threadbare squad.

Pardew said: "The figure of £5m has been mentioned. But there's no way Jermain will be going to Arsenal for £5m. There's been no interest from any Premiership club for Jermain with a bid. I talk to managers and he's discussed, but no more than that.

"However, I think it would be foolish to suggest he's going nowhere. I don't want Jermain to go, but the top three have a power we can't match.

"We are susceptible. If he goes, the money that will be released to me will give me a fantastic chance of building a team."

West Ham have made their first signing following the sale of James, taking Anthony Barness on a month's loan from Bolton.

The 30-year-old former Chelsea and Charlton full-back impressed on trial with the Hammers and has signed with a view to a permanent transfer. He steps straight into the squad for the trip to Sheffield United this weekend.

Pardew said: "He's well known to me because I played with him at Charlton. One of the reasons I brought him here is because he's been involved in winning promotion with Bolton and is used to the pressure. He can play on either side and gives us great options."

West Ham were also today in talks with Fulham about a part-exchange deal involving defenders Ian Pearce and Andy Melville.

Hammers defender Pearce was today discussing terms with the Premiership club. Wales international Melville would, in turn, move to Upton Park with West Ham also receiving a transfer fee.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Philippe Senderos has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a foot injury.

The teenage Arsenal centre-back - signed for £500,000 from Swiss club Servette last summer - has yet to play in a competitive match for Arsenal because of injuries.

He has been labelled the long-term successor to Tony Adams, but a succession of fitness problems have prevented him from appearing for the first team. The first was a back injury that he picked up during the club's pre-season tour in Austria. He then damaged his foot, which required surgery this week.

Wenger said today: "It is a great shame for Philippe, but he will not be playing again this season. He had looked so impressive and so sharp in pre-season. He impressed everyone when he was able to train.

"But it was decided that it would be better for him to have the surgery now and ensure that he is ready for next season." Ashley Cole is to have a precautionary scan on his left shoulder after picking up an injury against Everton last week.

The Arsenal and England full-back was forced to put his arm in a sling on his return from the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

He passed a fitness test in time to play in the 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Highbury last weekend, but Arsenal want to make sure there is no damage to the shoulder that could recur later in the season.

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