Former Arsenal and Villarreal winger Robert Pires is set to team up with Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
The Frenchman, who has been training with the Gunners to maintain his fitness, is hoping to win a short-term deal at Villa Park.
After winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the 2002 Footballer of the Year award during his trophy-laden stay in north London, the 37-year-old is keen to extend his stay in England after leaving the Spanish outfit recently.
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England head coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that striker Andy Carroll and midfielder Jordan Henderson will make their international debuts against France.
Newcastle United forward Carroll had been a doubt due to a groin injury, but he came through training unscathed on Tuesday and will start up front.
Meanwhile, Sunderland youngster Henderson is rewarded for a string of impressive displays for the Black Cats this season.
Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere has, however, been ruled out due to injury, but Phil Jagielka (illness) and Joe Hart (knock) are expected to recover in time to feature at Wembley.
West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has insisted the club will not make any rash decisions over the future of manager Avram Grant.
With the Hammers rooted to the foot of the Premier League table with just nine points from their opening 12 games, times appear tough at Upton Park.
But the former Birmingham City managing director is looking at ways to improve their fortunes on the pitch rather than ditching the beleaguered Israeli, who joined the club from Portsmouth in the summer.
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen has spoken up in defence of Newcastle United’s Joey Barton, after the pair clashed at St James’ Park last week.
Barton was eventually handed a three-match suspension for punching Pedersen in the stomach, but the Norwegian has since received a personal apology from his fellow player and is happy to let the matter lie.
Finally, the agent of Arsenal’s French left-back Gael Clichy has dismissed renewed rumours linking his client with a move to Juventus next summer.
The 25-year-old is keen to try his luck in Italy at some point in the future, but agent Ivan Le Mee denies that that means a summer change of scenery.
