Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes to close a deal for Everton defender Phil Jagielka by the weekend.
The Telegraph says Wenger has launched a renewed attempt to sign Jagielka and is hopeful a deal can be completed within 48 hours. He bid £10 million last week and might be prepared to go as far as £15 million. Everton, though, are believed to value Jagielka at more like £18 million and the two clubs were still in negotiations yesterday.
Jagielka signed a four-year contract in March and is regarded by David Moyes, the Everton manager, as one of the club's most important players.
Arsenal also failed with a £12 million bid for Jagielka last summer and, at Everton, there is a sense that the 28 year-old's value should have risen following a season in which he has become established in the England squad.
