BENDTNER: Hull manager Steve Bruce would happily add an experienced striker to his squad before the end of the transfer window but admits he may be priced out a move for Nicklas Bendtner. “Everyone assumes (an interest in Bendtner) but the problem with Nic is can I afford him?” said Bruce. “He has a huge salary. I’ve been able to get him on loan at my last two clubs. I know the lad, he has terrific ability but it’s difficult with the amount of money he earns at the minute.

EL HAMDAOUI: Malaga have recruited Morocco striker Mounir El Hamdaoui on loan from Fiorentina until the end of the season. Malaga said the deal included an option to make the deal permanent next summer. A statement said: “Malaga FC have reached an agreement with Fiorentina to incorporate into the squad the striker of Moroccan origin Mounir El Hamdaoui.”

BA: Demba Ba was again left out of Senegal’s 23-man World Cup squad yesterday for next week’s qualifier against Uganda as coach Alain Giresse continued to pick only players who regularly feature for their clubs. Striker Ba has struggled to win a regular place in Chelsea’s team since joining the Londoners from Newcastle United in January. He was also omitted for two World Cup qualifiers in June.

MBA: Sunday Mba, who scored the goal that won the African Nations Cup for Nigeria earlier this year, left Warri Wolves for French team Bastia yesterday. The 24-year-old has signed a one-year deal, the Ligue 2 club told reporters in Corsica. Mba, who was on target in the 40th minute of the 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Nations Cup final in Johannesburg in February, cost Bastia a fee of one million euros.