Koscielny: Bayern Munich and Barcelona are both chasing Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, accor-ding to the player’s agent. Stephane Courbois said: “There is interest. I know that Laurent is part of a shortlist of three or four players for both clubs.” Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would be reluctant to lose Koscielny who established himself in the Gunners starting line-up last season.

McGregor: Allan McGregor’s agent has confirmed that the Scotland goalkeeper is close to a move to Hull City. The 31-year-old is on the books of Besiktas after joining them from Rangers last summer. Dave Baldwin said: “Allan is keen to play in the Premier League and under Steve Bruce, so now we just have to push the talks forward.”

League Cup: Newly-promoted Newport have been handed an exciting trip to Championship side Brighton in the first round of the League Cup. The Exiles ended a 25-year absence from the Football League when they triumphed in the Blue Square Bet Premier play-offs last season and they will face a mouth-watering visit to the south coast high-flyers.

Cabaye: Rumours are rife that Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye is on his way to big-spending Monaco. Cabaye is thought to be on Monaco’s wanted list and he hinted he could be interested in a move to Stade Louis II. “Monaco have the means to build a strong team. It might interest everyone,” the Frenchman said.

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