Liverpool hijack Arsenal's bid for Marouane Chamakh

Liverpool are prepared to rival Arsenal in the pursuit of Marouane Chamakh as Rafael Benítez tries to capitalise on uncertainty surrounding the Bordeaux striker's future with the offer of a pre-contract agreement at Anfield. Chamakh has been linked with Arsenal since last summer although Arsène Wenger is yet to make a firm offer for the Morocco international. Chamakh, who is out of contract with Bordeaux at the end of the season, is free to sign a pre-contract deal with a foreign club this month. Maxi Rodríguez is also on the verge of completing a £1.5m transfer from Atlético Madrid to Anfield. Jermaine Beckford: Leeds ≥ Newcastle The two clubs are locked in negotiations over Beckford's proposed move to Tyneside. The sticking point is that Newcastle United want to pay no more than £1.5m for the striker and Leeds are holding out for nearer £3m. Louise Taylor Michel Sporting: Gijón ≥ Birmingham The Spanish club have confirmed that the midfielder Michel has joined Birmingham, subject to a medical. Joe Ledley: Cardiff City ≥ Blackburn Blackburn Rovers are the latest Premier League club to show an interest in Ledley. The Cardiff striker is out of contract in the summer but Rovers could make a bid for him during the current transfer window. Stoke City, who had a £6m offer for Ledley rejected in 2008, are also continuing to monitor the player's situation. Stuart James Stephen Hunt: Hull ≥ Wolves Wolves look set to be frustrated in their attempts to prise Hunt from Hull City. Mick McCarthy was believed to be willing to pay £3m for the Republic of Ireland international but Hull are likely to reject his advances. Hull's manager, Phil Brown, has made official his interest in Manchester City's Ecuador forward Felipe Caicedo, who could be available if his loan at Sporting Lisbon is cut short. Brown said: "We have expressed an interest in Felipe Caicedo and are awaiting a response." Stuart James Vladimir Stojkovic: Sporting Lisbon ≥ Wigan Wigan have completed the loan signing of the Serbia international Vladimir Stojkovic after the goalkeeper received a work permit.