Wenger denies Defoe interest
Arsene Wenger has played down speculation linking him with a move for West Ham striker Jermain Defoe.
The Arsenal manager insists he has no interest in signing the 21-year-old, despite reports suggesting he was preparing to table a £5m bid.
"We've not made an enquiry, we've not made a bid and we have no plans to make one," Wenger confirmed.
West Ham manager Alan Pardew has suggested he would be tempted by a sizeable offer for his star striker.
"The figure of £5m has been mentioned, but there's no way Jermain will be going to Arsenal for that," Pardew said.
"I don't want Jermain to go but, if he does, the money will give me a fantastic chance of building a team."
Defoe has been repeatedly linked with Premiership clubs ever since he handed in a transfer request within 24 hours of West Ham's relegation last season.
And this term, despite missing matches through ill-discipline after picking up three red cards, Defoe has scored 11 times in 19 league outings.
Former Hammers favourite Tony Cottee believes a move to Arsenal would benefit the 21-year-old and form a lethal combination with Thierry Henry.
"They'd be brilliant together and it would work well for Jermain, and probably England as well," Cottee told BBC Sport.
However, Pardew also revealed that despite the speculation, he has received no firm offers for Defoe.
"There's been no interest from any Premiership club with a bid. I talk to managers and he's discussed, but no more than that," Pardew added.
Oh well, that seems the end of that one then....
