Arsenal - Mikael Silvestre admits even he was surprised by his transfer to Arsenal on Wednesday. The 31-year-old joined the club from Manchester United. "It was a big surprise, but a very good surprise in the end," he said. "I left United especially because I didn't want to spend anymore time on the bench. I was looking for a new challenge and when Arsenal come you cannot say no. Hopefully I can look forward to a fresh start without any injuries."

Aston Villa

Blackburn Rovers - David Dunn does not want his team-mates to get carried away with the 3-2 win at Everton last weekend as they prepare to face Hull City. "Lets not forget we've got one of the new boys this week and that is going to be a difficult game and we are going to have to match them every bit of the way because they are very much full of confidence as we are," he said.

Bolton Wanderers - Gary Megson admits it will take time to bring in new players going into the last few days of the transfer window. "It's like treacle at the moment. We're trying to bring in good players for a good price and it may take a little bit of time because clubs want to hang on to their players," said Megson.

  Chelsea - Jack Cork has joined Southampton on loan until 1st January, 2009. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Scunthorpe United in the Championship, and was voted the club's Player of the Year after 35 appearances for the Glanford Park club. Cork made his first appearance for the first team in last year's pre-season tour of America, and captained England at this summer's European under-19 Championship.

Everton - Yakubu is hoping the club pick up no further injuries, with Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar currently out of action. "It isn't easy to beat any team in the Premier League," he said. "We want to win and we want to finish in Europe again. Unfortunately we have some injuries, and we need those players back."

Fulham - Manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that Seol Ki-Hyeon's Fulham career was revitalised during the Club's pre-season tour of Korea. "He's worked very hard to prove to me that he has qualities that we can use," Hodgson said of last weekend's scorer against Hull City.

Hull City - The official paperwork in relation to Anthony Gardner's transfer from Tottenham Hotspur has come through so the defender, who joined on an initial loan in July, is now a permanent fixture in the squad.

Liverpool - Javier Mascherano wants to win a gold medal at the Olympics for manager Rafa Benitez. Mascherano's Argentina face Nigeria in the final, and the midfielder said: "If I win, I'll especially dedicate my success to Rafa. He's a very important person in my life." 

Manchester City - Manager Mark Hughes is hoping Martin Petrov can continue his impressive form against West Ham United on Sunday. "Everyone's aware of the quality that Martin has, he's a great outlet for us on the left hand side," said Hughes.

Manchester United - Paul Scholes says he will not come out of international retirement to play for England again. "It [international retirement] wasn't about thinking it was too much or I wasn't capable; it was just that when I was playing I was not enjoying it," said the midfielder who quit after Euro 2004.

Middlesbrough - Striker Afonso Alves is determined to open his goal account this weekend when Middlesbrough visit Liverpool. He did not score in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on the first day but said: "I thought I could have scored a couple of chances - but next time I will convert. The next match is away and is certainly a very difficult one on paper but I see no reason why we can't go there and get a win or at least a draw."

Newcastle United - Kevin Keegan wants to build on last weekend's impressive 1-1 draw at Manchester United and pick up three points at home to Bolton Wanderers this Saturday. He said: "Now we are back in front of our own fans, and if we are to have a really good season and get this club somewhere back to where it belongs then we need to make St James' Park a place where teams fear to come and play."

Portsmouth - Armand Traore is excited about playing with his new Portsmouth team-mates after clinching a season-long loan deal from Arsenal. "I know a lot of players in the team - I trained with Sol and Lauren at Arsenal and I know Younes Kaboul and Lassana Diarra. I spoke to Younes, he said that it's a very good club and that I will do well here."

Stoke City - The Potters are trying to rush through Abdoulaye Faye's work permit in time for their Barclays Premier League match at home to Aston Villa. The former Newcastle United star has agreed a deal subject to a work permit which has been held up because he has not played the necessary number of fixtures for Senegal. The club are now awaiting confirmation from the Senegal FA that Faye would have been selected if he had not been injured.

Sunderland - Striker David Healy is delighted to have joined the Black Cats. The Northern Ireland striker, top scorer in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, completed his move from Fulham on Thursday and was joined by Cisse. Healy said: "I really am chuffed to bits. Sunderland are a big club and at this stage in my career it is a dream move for me. I know Roy Keane from my Manchester United days. It's a privilege to join him at Sunderland."

Tottenham Hotspur - Alan Hutton is set to return to light conditioning as he continues his recovery from a stress fracture of his right foot. "We are being extra cautious and scanning his foot on a regular basis," explained Head of Medical Services Wayne Diesel. "Alan is progressing well, he is able to do light conditioning work, but we will not rush him back nor put a timescale on his recovery."

West Bromwich Albion - Manager Tony Mowbray has his sights on the Baggies' first victory of the season when they host Everton on Saturday. "I hope we can impose our style on Everton at the weekend as we did against Portsmouth for a long time in the FA Cup semi-final," he said. "Ultimately we couldn't score against a very well organised and very experienced defence. But the players came out of that thinking we shouldn't fear the Premier League because Portsmouth finished seventh and we had a lot of ball against them and gave them lots of problems."

West Ham United - Supporters wishing to buy seats for the Carling Cup tie against Macclesfield next week can get them now from the ticket office. Tickets are on general sale ffor the match on 27th August. Adult prices start from £15 with children at just £5.

Wigan Athletic - Paul Scharner has been nominated for the Premier League's North West Player of the Year. The categories, divided into the five leagues, from the Premier League to the Conference League enables football fans across the region to have their say and vote for their Player of the Year.