Transfer Talk

A lack of cash is scuppering clubs in the World's Tightest Division from sealing that all-important Slovakian transfer deal that could turn them from relegation battlers to play-off hopefuls.

Coventry's bid to sign Wolves outcast Freddy Eastwood, (pictured) for example, fell through after he asked for too much money.

"We agreed what I would consider to be a very attractive four-year contract but unfortunately the deal collapsed because of money the player is legally entitled to under the terms of his contract at Wolves," Cov supremo Ray Ranson said.

TT isn't sure what Eastwood is on, but one assumes that – in spite of the impending recession - his search for first-team football should outweigh the mortgage repayments on a Mock Tudor caravan in Basildon.

But Swansea boss Roberto Martinez's audacious claim that Dutch defender Ferrie Bodde is a world class player who could turn out for one of the top four clubs appears to be reaping dividends.

When previously Derby were alone in their attempts to court the former Den Haag player, now Middlesbrough and West Brom are believed to be snooping around.

Martinez wants around £2 million for a man who cost £85,000 12 months ago.

"We're up against some decent competition," the still-sweating Rams boss Paul Jewell admitted.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are closing in on the £1 million signing of Australia and Bristol City midfielder Nick Carle .

The 26-year-old former Troyes and Genclerbirligi player has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at City since he joined last season, although he did start in all three of their play-off matches – including the dramatic semi-final win over Palace.

City have already bought Gavin Williams from Ipswich, and they will use the cash to fund bids for strikers after the shame of having to start Dele Adebola in the play-off final.

Egypt and Ahly Emad "poor man's Rooney" Motaeb and Nottingham Forest hit-man Nathan Tyson are the Mirror's tips for a move to Ashton Gate.