Manchester City are close to securing the signature of former Barcelona teenager Ian Carlo Poveda.

The youngster, currently with Brentford , is due to be offered a scholarship at the Etihad Stadium in the next few weeks, according to the Daily Mail.

Poveda has represented England u16s and is also eligible to play for Colombia.

QPR are considering a double swoop for Nottingham Forest pair Henri Lansbury and Michael Mancienne.

Lansbury has one year left on his contract, although he has said he is open to discussing an extension.

And the Rs are ready to bid £4m to lure the skipper and his teammate away from the City Ground.

Cardiff City are said to be facing competition from a number of Championship clubs for the signature of Lex Immers, according to reports in the Netherlands.

The attacking midfielder has impressed on loan for the Bluebirds and they are desperate to sign him permanently.

But De Telegraaf claims that other, unnamed, Championship sides would be keen on hijacking the deal.

Newcastle United are set to target Hull City boss Steve Bruce as their next manager should Rafa Benitez depart.

Sky Bet Championship - Huddersfield Town (2) v Hull City (2) - Steve Bruce.

The Magpies could be relegated on Wednesday night, should Sunderland beat Everton, and the former Liverpool manager is expected to leave if that happens.

Bruce is hoping to lead Hull to the Premier League via the play-offs, but latest reports suggest he is on the St James' Park radar.

Birmingham City have released five players as part of the summer squad rebuilding.

Lee Novak, Mark Duffy, Wes Thomas, David Edgar and Neal Eardley will all depart St Andrew's as Gary Rowett plots next season's assault on the promotion places.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill is one of the names in the frame to replace Paul Lambert at Blackburn Rovers.

The Ewood Park club are set to draw up a shortlist this week to be sent to Venky's in India for approval.

And former Blackburn player Hill could be on it, claims the Lancashire Telegraph - with his experience of managing on a smaller budget attractive as Rovers look to cut operating costs following the end of Premier League parachute payments.