8am Transfer Talk Update: Mario Balotelli, Jack Rodwell, Mateo Musacchio

The nature of the transfer window is that even while those in England have been sleeping, speculation and done deals continue to be churned out.

Here, Sports Mole has picked out some of the biggest headlines from the past few hours.

Brendan Rodgers "categorically" rules out Mario Balotelli move Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers dismisses speculation that the club are interested in signing AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

Report: Sunderland lead race to sign Jack Rodwell A report suggests that Sunderland are currently the favourites to sign Jack Rodwell from Manchester City following Frank Lampard's arrival at the Etihad Stadium.

Villarreal coach Marcelino admits Spurs target Mateo Musacchio to leave club Tottenham Hotspur close in on a £17m deal for Villarreal's 23-year-old centre-back Mateo Musacchio.

Louis van Gaal: 'Futures will be decided after tour' Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reveals that he will make judgments over the futures of some of his players when their pre-season tour of the US ends.

Jackson Martinez makes Premier League move more likely, lowering release clause Jackson Martinez will be cheaper next summer after renegotiating his buy-out fee, increasing his chances of joining Arsenal or Chelsea.

Report: Southampton line up move for Manchester United youngster Southampton are lining up a loan move for Manchester United winger Demetri Mitchell following his excellent performances for the Red Devils academy, according to a report.

Report: Tottenham Hotspur are ready to offer Nacer Chadli to Southampton Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly use Nacer Chadli as part of a deal to bring Morgan Schneiderlin to White Heart Lane.

West Ham United consider Connor Wickham swoop? Sunderland striker Connor Wickham is reportedly a transfer target of West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce.

Pepe Reina's wage demands beyond AC Milan? A report claims that AC Milan are unable to match the wage demands of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Nottingham Forest plan Mikele Leigertwood contract offer? Stuart Pearce reveals that he is keen to add free agent Mikele Leigertwood to his Nottingham Forest squad.

Sunderland lodge bid for Palermo striker Abel Hernandez? Sunderland have lodged a loan bid for striker Abel Hernandez from Palermo, firing the first shot as they attempt to capture the Uruguayan.

Report: Newcastle United close to Jamaal Lascelles deal Newcastle United will reportedly attempt to push through the signing of Nottingham Forest defender Jamaal Lascelles in the next 24 hours.

Ivan Franjic completes Russia move Australian international defender Ivan Franjic completes a move to Russian outfit Torpedo Moscow.