Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes to sign a defender before the end of the World Cup.
The Gunners will be left desperately short of central defenders if Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre fail to renew their contracts this month.
The Frenchman is keen to find a centre-half to partner Thomas Vermaelen and has been splitting his time in South Africa between scouting and commentating for French television.
"We are not close (to signing anyone) at the moment," Wenger said.
"But there will be something happening before the end of the World Cup - certainly on the defensive side."
Mascherano in Inter talks - agent
Javier Mascherano's agent has revealed they are in talks with Inter over a possible move to the Nerazzurri, which would see the Liverpool midfielder re-united with former boss Rafael Benitez.
Speculation has been rife that Argentina captain Mascherano would move to the San Siro since Benitez was confirmed as Jose Mourinho's replacement last week.
Mascherano has spent the past three years at Anfield but contract negotiations have currently been put on hold and one of his agents, Marco Piccioli, claims the 25-year-old could very well follow in his former manager's footsteps.
"There has already been a first contact with director Marco Branca," Piccioli said.
"In the next few days we will have a new meeting to better establish the details of this transfer deal."
Senderos injury blow for Swiss
Switzerland have suffered another injury blow after it was revealed Philippe Senderos will be sidelined for the next two games at least and is likely to miss the rest of the World Cup.
Senderos lasted just 36 minutes of Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Spain before suffering the same ankle injury that ruled captain and star striker Alexander Frei out of their opener.
While Switzerland welcome Frei back to training today, the Fulham defender's injury is more serious and he could even miss their last 16 match should Ottmar Hitzfeld's side progress.
Hodgson a happy Cottager
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has refused to be drawn on the vacant manager's job at Liverpool.
Hodgson has been linked with the job since Rafael Benitez left Anfield but has declared his contentment with his current job at Craven Cottage.
Hodgson, who is working as a pundit for the BBC at the World Cup, said: "I'm Fulham manager. I'm perfectly happy at Fulham."
Hodgson, who took Fulham to the Europa League final where they lost to Atletico Madrid, added: "To be honest there's a lot of speculation but I can't enlighten you."
Cotterill named Portsmouth boss
Portsmouth have confirmed the appointment of Steve Cotterill as the club's new manager.
The 45-year-old has signed a three-year deal at the cash-strapped south coast club, who are rebuilding after suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.
Cotterill took charge of Notts County earlier this year and led the Magpies to the League Two title before leaving Meadow Lane at the end of the season.
The appointment of Cotterill came just one day after the club's creditors voted in favour of a deal to take Portsmouth out of administration.
United, Le Havre agree over Pogba
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Le Havre to settle their dispute over Paul Pogba's controversial move to Old Trafford last season.
The two clubs had been embroiled in a bitter feud over the 17-year-old after Le Havre accused United of offering financial inducements to tempt Pogba into breaking his contract.
United have always denied that, citing the fact Pogba did not have a deal in place, and they were backed by FIFA who allowed them to register the youngster in October 2009.
Le Havre threatened to take the matter further but both clubs have now confirmed that all outstanding issues have been resolved.
Belhadj - a target for Lazio
Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj's agent claims Serie A side Lazio are interested in signing the player.
The 27-year-old, currently on World Cup duty with Algeria, has long been expected to lead an exodus of players from cash-strapped Pompey this summer.
And his representative Marko Pomarin said: "I confirm the interest of Lazio in the player, we are seeking an agreement with the club.
"Competition is high but I'm sure that Lazio will not miss out on a player as good as Belhadj."
Belhadj joined Pompey from Lens ahead of the 2008/09 season, initially on loan before completing a £4.4m move in the January transfer window.
He has scored six goals in 65 appearances for the south coast club.