Paul Robinson and Scott Carson, two England goalkeepers in need of a fresh start, can envision brighter futures after they moved closer to securing transfers yesterday. Liverpool have accepted offers of about £4 million for Carson from Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, the newly promoted Barclays Premier League clubs, and Blackburn Rovers were last night close to a deal to sign Robinson from Tottenham Hotspur if, as seems increasingly likely, Brad Friedel departs for Aston Villa.

Tottenham have offered Robinson as a makeweight in their proposed deal to sign David Bentley, the England winger, who is also the subject of an offer from Aston Villa, and, while that deal is contingent on a number of factors, the goalkeeper believes that the move could revive his international career. Tottenham will probably have to pay at least £10 million in addition to Robinson moving in the opposite direction.

Robinson’s options have become limited after possible buyers, such as Villa and Middlesbrough, looked elsewhere. Villa have agreed a fee for Brad Guzan and could also sign Friedel, his United States team-mate, and Middlesbrough have decided to give an opportunity to Ross Turnbull or Brad Jones.

Robinson has not played for his country since a costly mistake in defeat by Russia in a European Championship qualifying match in Moscow in October. He subsequently lost his first-team place at White Hart Lane and has not travelled with the team on their pre-season training camp in Spain this week. Juande Ramos, the head coach, has signed Heurelho Gomes, the Brazil goalkeeper, from PSV Eindhoven as a replacement.

Carson has suffered a similar downturn in fortune since a bad error in England’s 3-2 defeat by Croatia at Wembley in November. As his form dipped, Villa, who had him on a season-long loan from Liverpool, dropped their interest in a permanent deal, leaving Liverpool to consider other offers. Carson held talks with Stoke yesterday and is expected to meet Tony Mowbray, the West Brom manager, today.

Decent bets

Manchester City have not given up on their attempt to sign Ronaldinho, although AC Milan have held talks with the forward and Barcelona. City’s offer, worth up to £22 million, has been accepted by the Catalan club, who want a deal completed this week.

Everton have confirmed an interest in signing Stephan Lichtsteiner, the Lille and Switzerland right back, 24. Wigan Athletic hope to complete a deal to sign Amr Zaki, the Egypt forward, from Zamalek today. The 25-year-old will have a medical examination and is expected to arrive on loan, with a view to a permanent £4.5 million transfer.

Sunderland are close to completing their first signing of the summer, with Dorin Goian, the Romania defender, expected to join from Steaua Bucharest for a fee of about £3.8 million.

Bobby Zamora has had a medical at Fulham after they agreed a £6 million deal with West Ham United. The forward missed most of last season because of a knee injury.

Birmingham City appear to have hijacked Cardiff City’s attempt to sign Marcus Bent. The forward failed to turn up for a medical in Wales yesterday after Cardiff had agreed a £1 millon fee with Charlton Athletic. The South London club have sold Chris Iwelumo, his fellow forward, to Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee. Carl Robinson, the Wales midfield player, could return from Toronto FC, the Major League Soccer franchise, this summer after inquiries from several clubs.

Dead certs

Hull City have ended their interest in Djimi Traoré, the Portsmouth left back, who wants to return to France, and Ricardo Rocha, the Tottenham defender.

Long shots

Chelsea have turned down Benfica’s offer to sign on loan Juliano Belletti, the right back.