Through the transfer window

I know we should know better than to echo and add to all the spurious speculation and tabloid tittle-tattle, but c'mon, give us a break - we're in desperate need of something, anything to take our minds off the club's current predicament...

First up, Spurs are in talks with Rangers with a view to signing a player we've apparently had our beady eye on, right-back Alan Hutton. There've been glowing reports coming out of Scotland, but then we all know the quality of the league north of the border and £8m does seem very steep for a defender, especially when the current incumbent Habib Beye is one of the few players doing a sterling job - even if we will be without him for the duration of the African Nations Cup.

The Telegraph has revived the pre-New Year rumours that we're interested in Valencia's out-of-favour midfielder and former captain David Albelda - with the added twist that Real Madrid are also keen. Tough choice, Dave, huh?

As for outgoings, the Star claims Shola Ameobi could be set to join Wolves on loan. If it happens, it's a move that's bound to irritate Glenn Roeder, what with our ex-boss eager to recruit him to help haul Norwich away from the Championship's drop zone. I'd hang around if I was you, Big Lad, what with Oba about to jet off to Ghana and Little Saint Mick never more than five minutes from a six-month-long lay-off with knee knack.

As expected, Tim Krul has had his loan period at Falkirk extended, amidst glowing praise from manager John Hughes: "It's great news because Tim has been excellent for us. I think the boy would agree that he's learning a lot as well as enjoying himself here". And that despite the red card for violent conduct he picked up in his last appearance, an away win at Kilmarnock in which ex-Newcastle youngster Carl Finnigan netted the winner.

Further afield, it looks as though our old friend Laurent Robert could be on his way back to the Premiership, Derby having offered a trial to the man who probably sulks at missing out to Nicolas Anelka for the title of The Incredible Sulk.

And finally, with Fat Sam still very much in the market for a robust, commanding, in-form central defender, we could perhaps do worse than look at Wigan. They've got a player who's currently all that and a regular goalscorer to boot, fella by the name of Bramble...