8am Transfer Talk Update: Gareth Bale, Stewart Downing, Miralem Pjanic

With plenty of transfer gossip doing the rounds, Sports Mole takes a look at the stories emerging from the rumourmill this morning.

This morning's headlines:

Real Madrid struggling to find Gareth Bale funds?
Real Madrid are struggling to find the £100m transfer fee that Tottenham Hotspur are demanding for winger Gareth Bale, according to reports.

West Ham United begin Stewart Downing talks
West Ham United begin negotiations with Stewart Downing after having a bid worth £6m accepted by Liverpool for the winger.

Tottenham Hotspur make Miralem Pjanic enquiry
Tottenham Hotspur director of football Franco Baldini calls former club Roma to ask about Miralem Pjanic, according to reports.

Aly Cissokho claims Liverpool agreement
Valencia full-back Aly Cissokho claims that he has agreed terms with Liverpool over a move from the La Liga outfit, which could be completed at some point this week.

Billy Sharp welcomes Celtic speculation
Southampton striker Billy Sharp welcomes reported interest from Celtic as Neil Lennon continues his efforts to replace Gary Hooper.

Tottenham Hotspur register interest in Carlton Cole?
Tottenham Hotspur register an interest in former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, according to reports.

Lisandro Lopez leaves Lyon for Qatar
Argentine forward Lisandro Lopez, an apparent transfer target of Tottenham, quits Lyon to join Qatari side Al Gharafa for a fee of around £6m.

Marek Hamsik signs Napoli contract extension
Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik signs a new contract committing his future to the Azzurri until 2018.

Sunderland have Charis Mavrias loan bid rejected
Sunderland have their latest season-long loan offer for Greek winger Charis Marvias rejected by his club Panathinaikos.

Kenny Jackett hints at new Matt Doherty deal
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Kenny Jackett hints that the club could be about to offer defender Matt Doherty a new contract at Molineux.

McDermott: 'Leeds squad is short in areas'
Leeds United manager Brian McDermott admits that he is still keen to add players to his squad during this transfer window.