Arsenal hope to complete Scott Dann transfer 'within next 24 hours'

Posted Friday, August 12, 2011 by Metro.co.uk

Arsenal representatives have opened talks with Birmingham City over defender Scott Dann, and hope to conclude transfer discussions quickly in order to register the player before the first game of the season against Newcastle.

Arsenal hope to complete Scott Dann transfer 'within next 24 hours'
Talks: Scott Dann could be on his way to Arsenal

Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that negotiations are now underway regarding the 24-year-old, who is valued at around £8million by Blues.

Arsene Wenger is said to be reluctant to part with more than £5m for the player, despite reported interest from elsewhere, but he could still settle on a figure of around £6m plus at least £2m in performance-related fees.

Dann's wage demands are also unlikely to rock the boat too much, which would facilitate a swift conclusion to the transfer - and see him registered by the close of business on Friday, in time for the trip to St James' Park for Saturday's evening kick-off.

The news comes as the north London club are reported to be on the verge of selling star playmakers Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas to Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively, which has prompted Wenger to demand at least one swift signing to placate fans and send out a decisive vibe.

Gunners fans may not see it that way, though - if the club do part with two of their most creative players within hours of each other, and sign a centre-back who played for a relegated team last season.

But Wenger has long been told to strengthen his infamously leaky defence with a powerful and traditional English-style centre-half.

And with Dann's solid partnership alongside Roger Johnson credited with helping Birmingham lift the Carling Cup - at Arsenal's expense - last season, he seems to fit the mould.